5 Bowling actions we tried in our childhood

4. Shane Warne

Perhaps the greatest leg-spinners to ever play the game, Australia’s Shane Warne was the first bowler to 600 and 700 Test wickets, while also being credited with reviving the art of leg-spin in limited-overs cricket, during a time when the emphasis was given on off-spinners and medium pacers.

Discovered in Sydney by former Australia leggie Terry Jenner, Warne made his debut in 1992 against India in Tests at Perth and was butchered by Ravi Shastri who made a double ton and a young Sachin Tendulkar on his first tour down under. But Warne’s silky-smooth action gave him longevity in his career.

The Australian walked up to the crease with the ball in hand and gained a bit of momentum before twisting his hips at the point of releasing the ball, giving a maximum turn to the ball in the process, in addition to a flick of his wrist.

Warne was named as one of the five cricketers of the 20th Century by Wisden. The leggie picked 708 Test wickets in 145 matches and 293 wickets in 194 ODIs. He also won the ICC World Cup in 1999 with Australia, coming up with Man of the Match performances in the semi-final and final of the tournament. His simple action has been called an inspiration by many of the current leg-spinners as a source of inspiration.