How to Bowl the Doosra: Grip, Action, and Technique

The doosra is an off-spinner’s variation that turns away from a right-handed batter instead of into them — the opposite of the standard off-break. Bowled correctly, it looks identical to an off-break out of the hand, making it extremely difficult to read and one of the most deceptive deliveries in cricket.

What Makes the Doosra Different

A standard off-break turns from off to leg for a right-handed batter. The doosra turns in the opposite direction — from leg to off — while being released with a very similar wrist and finger action to the stock delivery. The disguise is what makes it dangerous.

The Grip

1. Place the index and middle fingers across the seam, close together.
2. The thumb rests lightly on the underside of the ball — it takes minimal weight.
3. Unlike a leg-break, the ring finger plays an active role in the doosra: it presses against the side of the ball to generate the reversed spin.
4. The wrist rotates outward (away from the body) at the point of release rather than inward as in a standard off-break.

This outward rotation is the core mechanical difference, and it is also why the delivery puts unusual strain on the elbow joint.

Stance and Run-Up

The doosra does not require any visible change in your approach. A consistent run-up that mirrors your stock off-break is essential — any deviation telegraphs the variation to an experienced batter. Keep your body position side-on through the crease.

The Release

Phase	Standard Off-Break	Doosra
Wrist at release	Rotates inward (clockwise for right-arm bowler)	Rotates outward (anti-clockwise)
Fingers at release	Roll over the top of the ball	Flick/push from underneath
Ball rotation	Clockwise (from batter’s view)	Anti-clockwise
Drift	Into right-handed batter	Away from right-handed batter

The key moment is the final flick: instead of rolling your fingers over the ball, push the ring finger through and snap the wrist outward. This imparts the reversed spin while keeping your bowling arm path the same.

When to Use It

• Against a batter who plays heavily for the turn into their pads (sweeping across the line).
• When a right-handed batter has settled against your stock ball and is looking to drive through the off-side.
• As a surprise wicket-taking delivery — use it sparingly so the batter cannot anticipate it.
• Against a left-handed batter, the doosra becomes the conventional turning delivery (turning into the batter), giving you an extra option from around the wicket.

A Note on Legality and Safety

The ICC permits a maximum elbow extension of 15 degrees during the bowling action. The doosra is biomechanically demanding and has led to bowling-action suspensions for several prominent bowlers. Before adding this delivery to your repertoire:

• Work with a qualified coach who can monitor your elbow angle.
• Film your action from multiple angles and review it carefully.
• Build up gradually — do not attempt the delivery in competitive matches until your coach confirms your action is within the legal limit.

Bowling the doosra with an illegal action risks suspension and long-term elbow injury.

Practice Drill

Set up a target on a good-length spot just outside off stump. Practise the outward wrist rotation in slow motion off a couple of steps before graduating to a full run-up. Focus on consistent seam position — a wobbling seam is a sign the wrist is not rotating cleanly enough.

Quick summary: The doosra is an off-spinner’s variation that turns away from a right-hander. It requires outward wrist rotation at release, an identical approach to your stock ball, and careful monitoring of your elbow angle to stay within ICC legal limits. Use it sparingly as a surprise wicket-taking weapon.