Seam bowling grip

Seam bowling is a technique used by fast bowlers in cricket to make the ball deviate or move off the pitch after it lands. This movement is caused by the seam of the cricket ball interacting with the surface of the pitch. Seam bowlers aim to exploit the natural irregularities and conditions of the pitch to deceive batsmen and take wickets.

Here's how seam bowling works:

The Seam: 

A cricket ball has a prominent seam that runs along its circumference. The seam is the stitched part that joins the two halves of the ball. The raised portion of the seam is what bowlers use to manipulate the ball.

Bowling Technique: 

A seam bowler delivers the ball at a fast pace with the intention of landing the ball on the pitch in such a way that the seam is upright or slightly angled relative to the pitch.

Movement Off the Pitch: 

When the ball lands on the pitch with the seam in an upright position, it can interact with the rough or uneven surface of the pitch. This interaction can cause the ball to move sideways, either away from or towards the batsman, depending on the angle of the seam.

Types of Movement:

Seam Movement: 

If the seam is angled towards the batsman, the ball might move in the air or off the pitch, known as "seam movement." This movement is often seen as the ball "wobbling" as it travels towards the batsman.

Swing Bowling: 

Seam bowlers can also use the orientation of the seam to create "swing," which is lateral movement in the air. The ball can move in or out (inswing or outswing) as it travels towards the batsman. Swing is primarily affected by the condition of the ball, the bowler's technique, and atmospheric conditions.

Seam bowling is effective on pitches with uneven surfaces, grass cover, or moisture, as these conditions enhance the interaction between the seam and the pitch. It requires skill, accuracy, and the ability to consistently land the ball in the desired area to create movement that can trouble batsmen.

In contrast to spin bowling, which relies on the rotation of the ball to create movement, seam bowling focuses on exploiting the irregularities of the pitch to generate deviations that challenge the batsman's judgment and technique.