Spin Bowling Machine Changing Tigers Training Approach

A new technological addition has been introduced to the Bangladesh national cricket team’s training setup with the inclusion of a spin bowling machine, which is expected to make batters’ preparation more modern and multidimensional. Previously, pace bowling machines were the primary tool for practice, but now the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is placing special emphasis on improving skills against spin.

In pace-friendly countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, the use of spin bowling machines is relatively common. Batters in those conditions rely on such machines to prepare against spin. On the other hand, in the subcontinent, where pitches are generally spin-friendly, pace bowling machines have been used more frequently. However, moving away from this trend, the BCB has taken a different initiative.

The spin bowling machine was seen for the first time at the national team’s training camp on Tuesday. BCB’s cricket operations in-charge, Shahriar Nafees, shared details about its cost and usage. The machine costs approximately BDT 1.62 million.

Explaining the functionality of the machine, he said, “It can deliver off-spin, leg-spin, and straight balls. If it produces off-spin for a right-arm bowler, it will act as chinaman for a left-arm bowler. All types of spin can be practiced. Alongside that, straight deliveries, such as the arm ball, can also be played. Three types of deliveries can be practiced. The length can also be adjusted.”

He also highlighted the advanced features, including speed control. He said, “The pace of the ball can be controlled. For example, some spinners bowl faster while others bowl slower, and that variation can be adjusted. Additionally, it can be operated in two ways—manually or automatically. If a batter doesn’t have a coach or support staff, a timer can be set in automated mode. In that case, around 25 to 30 balls can be delivered automatically at a time.”

This new addition is expected to bring variety to the national team’s training sessions and further enhance batters’ ability to handle spin, according to those involved.