Cricket Today - Chapter 4 - Left Arm Spin

They are said to be the rarest breed. They are sought after world over. Every team in the world is looking out for one. Being a left arm spinner earns you attention however competent or incompetent you are. Being a left arm spinner myself, I realise that the managements of teams believe they have struck gold when they have a competent southpaw spinner. But what is the world circumstance?

The most talked about left arm spinner is an Indian … amm … an Englishman (I stand corrected.) The only real Ludhianvi in Luton is Monty Panesar. He has been considered a revolutionary in the world of English spin – Underwood the second maybe? Although they have contrasting styles, he can be considered an Underwood the second as there has been no left arm spinner of the class of Underwood until – hopefully – Panesar. If Panesar continues without injury, he has miles to go before he sleeps after an eventful international career.

On the other hand there are some less talked about spinners to the likes of Raymond Price of Zimbabwe. Due to the present situation of cricket and politics in Zimbabwe, Price has not been playing for Zimbabwe but has instead gone where all international cricketers go to sometime in their lives, England. The partially deaf left armer is playing for Worcestershire pretty successfully. He deserves much more credit and appreciation than he gets. He has a wonderful release, trajectory and ability for flight and is probing.

Panesar’s gain is Giles’ loss. Ashley Giles is not the conventional left arm spinner. HE has a style of his own – don’t give the batsmen room to play; let him sweep but keep a man there to cover it and get a good loop.

Ahsley Giles, Monty Panesar, Ray Price, Daniel Vettori, Mohammad Rafique, Enamule Haque Jr. and many more. Although they are supposed to be very rare, there are more frontline left arm spinners than the other kinds of spinners in the world.

Daniel Vettori is a highly consistent, disciplined bowler. He does not waver from his areas that often. Unfortunately, the only probable defect with him is that he cant bowl that great delivery.

Too many people; lots more to talk about. I’ll get back with this topic – later.-BS