Interesting discussion between Russell Arnold and Mitchell McClenaghan on air. Normally, with the new ball, one sees fast bowlers keep the seam upright, to aid conventional swing. But Tim Southee and Will O’Rourke are holding the seam a bit differently. It is not cross seam either. Arnold decides to delve deeper into this and asks, thankfully to the benefit of all listening, as to why is the case. McClenaghan then reminds everyone that in the inaugural World Test Championship final, Southee had dismissed Rohit Sharma, with a different type of delivery – called the THREE-QUARTER SEAM. This name has been christened by the Kiwis themselves, as they are the creators of the same. In this position, the ball is not exactly held cross seam which is why, it is being called as three-quarter seam and then the bowler can either get it to straighten or jag it back in. The variation delivery can be bowled especially to left-handed batters seam. The concentration has to be on the fact that there should not be any breaking of the wrist. If there is any breaking of the wrist, the seam kind of wobbles too much. That wrist has to be right behind the ball. Wow. We just keep learning every day, don’t we? Thank you, Mitch!
