Welcome to our blog, where we dive into the world of international cricket and explore a special kind of bowlers known as Chinaman bowlers. These bowlers are quite rare and unique because they deliver their spin using their left hand.
Chinaman bowlers have a special advantage because the angle at which they bowl makes it difficult for batsmen to face their deliveries. They can also use a variety of different spins and tricks to confuse and outsmart even the best batsmen.
In this blog, we take a thrilling journey to discover and celebrate the very best Chinaman bowlers from around the world. We will explore their skills, techniques, and the amazing moments they have created on the cricket field.
Top 10 Chinaman Bowlers
- 10] Zahir khan
- 9] Micheal Rippon
- 8] Noor Ahmad
- 7] Micheal Bevan
- 6] Lakshan Sandakan
- 5] Tabraiz Shamsi
- 4] Paul Adams
- 3] Kuldeep Yadav
- 2] Brad Hogg
- 1] Garry Sobers
In Detailed about Best Chinaman Bowlers
10] Zahir Khan
Zahir Khan, a 24-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner hailing from Afghanistan, burst onto the international cricket scene in 2018. Since then, he has showcased his talents in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Afghanistan. Additionally, he has gained valuable experience by participating in esteemed domestic T20 leagues such as the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Zahir Khan has earned a reputation for his remarkable performances on the field, drawing accolades particularly for his standout displays in the BBL and LPL. Despite his relatively short tenure in international cricket, he has displayed immense promise and is poised to make a significant impact in the future, emerging as one of the premier Chinaman bowlers. Furthermore, he has also served as a net bowler for various teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), further enhancing his cricketing skills and knowledge.
Career Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 4 | 10 | 4.72 |
| ODI | 1 | 2 | 5.50 |
| T20I | 1 | 0 | 14.00 |
Must Read: Top 10 Unbreakable IPL Records
9] Michale Rippon
Michael Rippon is a talented cricketer who hails from South Africa. He has showcased his skills by representing both the Netherlands and New Zealand in international cricket. Rippon is known for his unique style as a left-arm unorthodox spin bowler and his ability to bat right-handed.
Having played for two different nations, Rippon has established himself as an all-rounder, featuring in multiple formats of the game such as One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), first-class matches (FC), and List A matches. Throughout his career, he has participated in over 150 first-class matches, gaining valuable experience and expertise.
In the past, Rippon made valuable contributions to the Netherlands national cricket team, competing in prestigious tournaments like the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2015 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier. However, his journey didn’t stop there. His current representation of New Zealand on the international stage, along with his participation in notable events like the 2021-22 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, indicates the strong support from the New Zealand cricket team in recognizing his potential to become one of the finest chinaman bowlers and a Dependable Batsman
Additionally, Rippon has also showcased his skills in domestic tournaments such as the Standard Bank Pro20 and the Friends Life T20, further enhancing his reputation as a versatile and accomplished cricketer.
Carrer Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 9 | 13 | 4.46 |
| T20I | 19 | 17 | 6.34 |
Must Read: Top 10 Cricket Stadiums in India [Updated]
8] Noor Ahmed
Noor Ahmad, a young Afghan cricketer, represents the Gujarat Titans in the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his enigmatic left-arm wrist-spin, he has garnered acclaim for his unique bowling style. Born on January 3, 2005, Noor Ahmad is presently 18 years old in 2023.
Having been a member of both the Afghanistan international senior team and the Afghanistan U19 squad, he stands out as one of the rare chinaman bowlers to participate in multiple T20 leagues worldwide. Currently, he contributes to the Gujarat Titans and played a crucial role in their journey to the finals of the IPL 2023 by capturing 16 wickets throughout the tournament. Additionally, Noor Ahmad has actively participated in prominent T20 tournaments such as the Big Bash League, PSL, CPL, and various others across the globe.
Carrer Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 3 | 2 | 7.42 |
| T20I | 1 | 4 | 2.50 |
Must Read: Richest cricket boards in the World [2023]
7] Micheal Bevan
Michael Bevan, a former Australian cricketer, is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional one-day batsmen in cricket history. Throughout his career, Bevan represented Australia, New South Wales, and Tasmania. His remarkable ability to successfully conclude matches earned him the moniker “The Finisher.”
However, it is not widely known that Bevan possessed exceptional skills as a chinaman bowler. The team’s captain often utilized Bevan’s bowling talent as a covert weapon, capitalizing on his abilities.
While Bevan’s batting achievements are numerous and well-documented, it is worth highlighting his remarkable feat of taking a 10-wicket haul in a test match, a rare accomplishment achieved by only a select few players.
Career Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 232 | 36 | 5.05 |
| Test | 18 | 29 | 3.28 |
6] Lakshan Sandakan
Lakshan Sandakan, hailing from Sri Lanka, is a talented cricketer known for his expertise in left-arm wrist-spin bowling. Born on July 10, 1991, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka, Sandakan has made a name for himself by representing the Sri Lankan national cricket team in international matches.
Sandakan’s skills lie in his ability to deliver wrist-spin with his left arm, making him a formidable force on the field. He has showcased his talents in both domestic leagues and international competitions, earning recognition for his performances. Notably, his career-best bowling figures stand at an impressive 5/95.
Having debuted in international cricket against Australia in July 2016, Sandakan has since displayed his prowess in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Sri Lanka. His contributions in the middle overs of matches have earned him praise and appreciation from cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
Career Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 11 | 37 | 3.71 |
| One Day Internationals (ODIs) | 31 | 27 | 6.20 |
| Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) | 20 | 23 | 7.26 |
Must Read:Top 10 Indian Chess Players [2023]
5] Tabraiz Shamsi
Tabraiz Shamsi is a talented cricketer from South Africa, renowned for his unique left-arm chinaman bowling style. He was born on February 18, 1990, in Johannesburg. Shamsi has represented the South African national cricket team across all three formats: Test, ODI, and T20I. His international debut took place in 2016 in the Caribbean. As per the ICC rankings of 2021 Shamsi holded the top spot for T20I bowlers globally.
Shamsi has exhibited consistent performances in limited-overs cricket for South Africa. He is known for his exceptional bowling action and proficiency in spinning the ball with his left-arm chinaman deliveries. Batsmen find it challenging to face him due to his assortment of deliveries, including leg-spinners, googlies, and flippers.
In T20 cricket, Shamsi has displayed impressive skills, often playing a vital role in restraining runs and taking crucial wickets for his team. He has also participated in prominent T20 leagues worldwide, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Shamsi’s exceptional performance led him to attain the top position in the ICC rankings for T20I bowlers in 2021, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest chinaman bowlers in the game.
Career Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Day Internationals (ODIs) | 44 | 57 | 5.51 |
| Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) | 61 | 74 | 7.28 |
| Test Matches | 2 | 6 | 3.45 |
4] Paul Adams
Paul Adams, whose full name is Paul Regan Adams, is a former cricketer from South Africa. He was born on January 20, 1977, in Cape Town, South Africa. Adams gained recognition as a left-arm chinaman bowler, renowned for his unconventional bowling action, often referred to as the “frog in a blender.”
In December 1995, Adams made his international Test debut for the South African cricket team, playing against England. The following year, in January 1996, he was selected for the South African ODI team, also facing England. Adams’ bowling style stood out due to his spinning and twisting delivery, involving a sudden 180-degree rotation of his body.
Adams was highly skilled at extracting turn and deception from the pitch, often perplexing batsmen with his unorthodox technique. His left-arm wrist spin proved particularly challenging for right-handed batsmen.
Notably, Adams made significant contributions to the South African cricket team during the 1999 Cricket World Cup, where he took 16 wickets in 8 matches.Paul Adams is remembered as one of cricket’s most captivating chinaman bowlers, leaving an enduring impact with his distinctive bowling action.
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 45 | 134 | 2.98 |
| ODIs | 24 | 29 | 4.40 |
Must Read: 10 Tallest Indian Cricketers [Updated]
3] Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm chinaman Indian bowler who has played for the Indian cricket team and various domestic teams. He started his career as a fast bowler but later switched to spin bowling. Yadav first gained prominence during his early days as a player, representing the Uttar Pradesh Under-19 team and the India Under-19 team. Yadav has had a successful career so far, with several notable performances in both domestic and international cricket.
Yadav has been a regular member of the Indian cricket team since his debut in 2017. He has played in all three formats of the game and has been particularly successful in limited-overs cricket. Yadav has taken several five-wicket hauls in ODIs and T20Is, including a career-best 5/24 against Australia in 2019.
Yadav’s unique style of bowling, with a mixture of variations, flight, and control, proved to be a challenge for batsmen to handle.
In domestic cricket, Yadav has played for teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has been a key player for both teams, taking crucial wickets and helping them win matches.
While Yadav has experienced ups and downs in his career, he continues to be considered a talented spin bowler with the potential to contribute significantly to the Indian cricket team. With his ability to spin the ball sharply and his repertoire of variations, Kuldeep Yadav, one of the finest Chinaman bowlers, remains an exciting prospect for Indian cricket in the spin bowling department.
Career Statistics [as of June 2023]:
| Format | Matches Played | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI Career | 81 | 134 | 5.22 |
| T20I Career | 28 | 46 | 6.76 |
| Test Career | 8 | 34 | 3.44 |
2] Brad hogg
Brad Hogg is a former Australian cricketer who played as a left-arm chinaman bowler. He was born on February 6, 1971, in Narrogin, Western Australia. Hogg made his international debut for Australia in 1996 and played his last match in 2014.
Hogg had a range of variations in his bowling. He was known for his ability to bowl accurate wrong ‘uns, which are deliveries that spin in the opposite direction to the stock delivery. Hogg also had a well-disguised flipper, a delivery that skids through at a lower trajectory, deceiving the batsman.
After a period of retirement, Hogg made a remarkable comeback to international cricket in 2012. He was selected for the Australian T20I team and went on to represent his country in several T20I matches before retiring in 2014.
Apart from International Cricket he was very active in Franchise cricket like IPL, Big Bash League and CPL
Hogg is known for his unorthodox bowling style and his ability to spin the ball both ways. He was a key member of the Australian team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 and 2007. Brad Hogg is widely considered among the greatest chinaman bowlers to have ever graced the game.
Career Statistics:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test Cricket | 7 | 17 | 3.67 |
| One-Day Internationals (ODIs) | 123 | 156 | 4.51 |
| T20 Internationals | 15 | 7 | 7.61 |
Must Read: Cricket 101: Interesting Facts About Cricket
1] Garfield Sobers
Sir Garry Sobers, the legendary West Indian cricketer, was known for his exceptional all-round skills, including his proficiency in chinaman bowling. Sobers, primarily regarded as a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner, occasionally bowled with a wrist-spinning action, employing the chinaman delivery as a surprise variation.
While Sobers’ chinaman bowling was not his primary style, he was highly effective with it, often catching batsmen off guard. His ability to generate spin and variations with the wrist allowed him to deceive and dismiss opponents with unexpected turn and trajectory. Sobers’ innate talent and adaptability as a cricketer allowed him to thrive in various bowling techniques, among which his occasional utilization of chinaman deliveries established him as one of the finest chinaman bowlers in the game.
It is worth noting that Sobers’ bowling record is not solely attributed to his chinaman deliveries, as he had significant success with orthodox spin as well. Throughout his career, Sobers took a remarkable 235 wickets in Test matches, showcasing his all-round excellence and his prowess in both batting and bowling disciplines.
Career Statistics:
Certainly! Here’s the information presented in a tabular form:
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 93 | 235 | 2.22 |
| ODI | 1 | 1 | 2.95 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1] What is a Chinaman Bowler?
A “Chinaman bowler” is a cricketing term that refers to a left-arm wrist spin bowler who uses their left hand’s wrist to deliver the ball. This style of bowling involves spinning the ball in the opposite direction compared to right-arm spinners, adding an element of surprise and variety to the game.
2] What is Googly in Cricket?
In cricket, a “googly” is a type of delivery bowled by a spin bowler, typically a leg-spinner. It is a deceptive delivery that spins in the opposite direction to what the batsman expects. A leg-spinner normally turns the ball from the leg side to the off side (for a right-handed batsman), but a googly spins in the opposite direction, from the off side to the leg side.
To bowl a googly, the bowler uses a wrist action that imparts a spin opposite to their usual delivery. When bowled correctly, the googly can deceive the batsman into misjudging the direction and movement of the ball, often resulting in a mistimed shot, a missed chance to score runs, or even the batsman getting dismissed.
The term “googly” originated in the early 1900s, and it remains a crucial weapon in the arsenal of spin bowlers today. It adds unpredictability and variety to their bowling, making it challenging for batsmen to anticipate the ball’s movement and respond effectively.
