Legality of 'doosra' questioned again

James Tredwell

The legality of the Doosra, a delivery that either holds its line or turns away from the right-hand batsmen at a pace has been questioned by the English off-spinner James Tredwell.

In 2004, ICC changed the laws in the game and allowed bowlers to straighten their elbow up to 15%. Since then many off-spinners have come up with the Doosra.

When asked if a doosra can be bowled without a kink in the arm, Tredwell was quoted as saying: “It helps to have a little kink, that is how the kink enables the ball to hurry on to the batsman. “Obviously, you have 15 degrees to work with, don’t you?”

Over the years, Doosra delivery has been questioned repeatedly and it has been opposed by many veteran bowlers. Many bowlers want ICC to ban this delivery because this involves jerking of arm, which helps the bowler to throw the ball at pace.

Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne too has voiced his opinion on the legality of the delivery and as per his views this delivery should not be taught by the coaches.

Spin-bowling legend Bishan Singh Bedi said, “What do you call another man in a woman’s life? Doosra! Is it legal? Then how can the doosra be legal.”

Veteran bowler Brad Hogg also expressed his displeasure on the issue.

He was quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald as saying: “I know it’s a controversial subject, but being a spinner, that’s the biggest thing that disappoints me in our game.There’s no clarity. I’m bamboozled how some blokes are getting reported for it and others aren’t.Then they go and get tested and all of a sudden they’re fine. They’re not tested under the rigours of playing out in the middle, when games are on the line.That’s when you’ve got to be tested. You’re either throwing or your not.”

Even after repeated arguments by various bowlers, ICC is still silent about the legality of Doosra delivery.