inswinger

An inswinger is a type of delivery in cricket bowling. It is bowled by a right-arm fast or medium-paced bowler that turns or swings from the off side towards the batsman's stumps. For a left-handed batsman, an inswinger will move from their leg side towards their off side. This delivery is often more difficult to play than an outswinger, as it comes into the batsman rather than away from them.

The inswinger is achieved by altering the seam position and the angle of the ball as it is released. The bowler grips the ball with the seam pointing towards the batsman or slightly angled. When the ball is released, it is imparted with a spin that, combined with aerodynamic forces, causes it to curve through the air. The angle of the wrist and the release point are crucial in generating the desired swing.

Batting against an inswinger requires good judgment and a solid defensive technique. Batsmen often play for the ball to go away from them, similar to an outswinger, and can be caught off guard by the inward movement. This can lead to being trapped leg before wicket (LBW) or bowled. Alternatively, a batsman might misjudge the line and edge the ball to the wicket-keeper or slip fielders. The ability to play the inswinger effectively is a key skill for any batsman.