An off cutter is a type of delivery used in the game of cricket by the fast bowlers and medium pacers. A bowler releases a normal fast delivery with the wrist locked in position and the first two fingers positioned on top of the cricket ball, giving it spin about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the length of the pitch. For an off-cutter, a right-handed bowler pulls his fingers down the right side of the ball (from his viewpoint), in an action similar to bowling an off-break, only at a higher speed. This changes the axis of spin to make it more like an off-break, which makes the ball deviate to the right when it bounces on the pitch. From a right-handed batsman's point of view, this deviation is to the left, or from the offside towards the leg side. This deviation is known as cut, and the delivery is called an off-cutter because it moves away from the offside. This skill can be beneficial to master, as cutters can often entice and fox the batsman to play false shots. An ideal off-cutter pitches on off stumps, and upon pitching, moves towards the leg stump.
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How to bowl an off-cutter
Part 1: Mastering the grip
Grip the ball with your index finger on the seam and put your middle finger on the right side of the seam. You can also keep your middle finger just a bit away from the seam. Your thumb should grip the ball from below. The grip is really important for a good off-cutter.
Then turn the ball into the leg stump with an off-spinning motion on the ball. Almost like a doorknob turning clockwise. Your main target is to spin the bowl at a full pace. It is important to remember that the ball is turning from the off stump towards the middle and leg stump.
Then hold on to your grip while you are running into the pitch. See the batsman and then decide where you want to place the bowl.
Part 2: Releasing the ball
Hold your grip as you roll your arm for the delivery. Clock your wrist backwards so the ball is released at the very last moment.
Then use your index finger to rotate the ball clockwise. Think of this like you are turning a doorknob. Try to generate off spinning motion through your fingers.
Now Move your index finger towards your middle finger with a strong grasp on the ball and your middle finger towards your thumb. You need to do this step while you are rolling your arm. Think of this as your fingers generating the spin with the help of your wrist.
And last release the ball as your fingers drag the ball with a cutting motion from left to right. Roll the ball and release it with your index finger. Try to generate spin from left to right.
This is how an off-cutter delivery is bowled.
