Reverse-swing’s myth and mystery
Peter Lalor, writing in the Australian , has a look at what it takes to master the "dark art" of reverse-swing bowling
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
Peter Lalor, writing in the Australian, has a look at what it takes to master the "dark art" of reverse-swing bowling. Mints, scuffing and finger nails are discussed.
No two experts agree on how to make the ball reverse-swing or why it reverses. It's a mystery, a sleight of hand that unsettles many because they don't understand it.
Chloe Saltau, in the Age, feels Trescothick's crime is no less dastardly than the catalogue of ball-tampering offences through cricket history, but nor is it any easier to stamp out.
At the time, there were whispers that the English were doing something to the ball, but no one, certainly no one in the Australian camp, was prepared to go public for fear of it appearing like sour grapes. One figure close to the Australian team even cottoned onto the fact that the ball always went back to the bowler through Trescothick, but only now, three years later from the sanctuary of retirement, does the full extent of his misdemeanour become clear.
Outstanding resourcefulness Marcus is my response! I have no problem with mint condition swing bowling. By the way - did England forget the brand name this summer? writes Mike Haysman on Supercricket. He also explains how balls are often tampered with in American football.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo