Reverse swing

Reverse swing is a phenomenon in cricket where a fast bowler’s delivery unexpectedly moves in the opposite direction to conventional swing, making it harder for the batter to predict and hit. It occurs when the ball’s surface condition is uneven—with one side polished smooth and the other rough—combined with the ball’s speed and airflow conditions. As the ball travels through the air, airflow over the rough side creates more turbulence, causing the ball to swing late and sharply, often deceiving the batter. Reverse swing is a skillful technique that exploits the ball’s surface and physics to generate sudden movement.