Left-arm spinner Shiva Singh who was representing Uttar Pradesh in the under-23 CK Nayudu Trophy has opened a new debate after bowling a bizarre ‘360-degree swirl’ delivery during a match against Bengal.
The left-arm orthodox spinner who was bowling from around the wicket was nearing the popping crease during his run-up and then spun around a full 360 degrees before delivering the ball.
The batsman defended the ball with relative ease but umpire Vinod Seshan immediately deemed the delivery to be a ‘dead ball’.
Shiva told ESPNcricinfo that this was not the first time he had used the spin move. "I delivered this 360-degree ball against Kerala in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well, where it was fine. Batsman always go for the reverse-sweep or the switch-hit against bowlers. But when bowlers do something like this, it's deemed a dead ball,” he said
"I use different variations in one-dayers and T20s so I thought of doing the same because the Bengal batsmen were developing a partnership," Shiva said. "The umpires said dead ball, so I asked "why are you calling it a dead ball?” he added.
The incident has sparked debate on social media with numerous people giving their take on the delivery in question. While some feel the run-up is irrelevant as long as the ball was released normally, others felt that the swirl was a deliberate attempt to distract the batsman and hence should not be allowed.
Weirdo...!! Have a close look..!! pic.twitter.com/jK6ChzyH2T
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) November 7, 2018
What about switch hits, reverse sweeps and other fancy shots.. Why can't the bowler also perform some antics as far as the delivery is bowled legally.
— KP (@KunalHasArrived) November 7, 2018
Bowler turning 360 degrees in his run-up is a sure distraction to the batsman. The umpire was right in declaring it a dead ball.
— Dinesh Bajaj (@justaname99) November 7, 2018
The ICC rules on unfair actions state:
If an umpire considers that any action by a player, not covered in the Laws, is unfair, he/she shall call and signal Dead ball, if appropriate, as soon as it becomes clear that the call will not disadvantage the non-offending side, and report the matter to the other umpire.
The bowler’s end umpire shall:
If this is a first offence by that side:
- Summon the offending player’s captain and issue a first and final warning which shall apply to all members of the team for the remainder of the match.
- Warn the offending player’s captain that any further such offence by any member of his/her team shall result in the award of 5 Penalty runs to the opposing team.
If this is a second or subsequent offence by that side
- Award 5 Penalty runs to the opposing side.