Hogg Reveals the key to Wrist Spinner's Success

Veteran wrist spinner Brad Hogg recently revealed the key to success of teenage leg-spinners Rashid Khan and Shadab Khan flies in the face of the teachings their Australian counterparts have learned from the legendary Shane Warne.

Afghanistan’s Rashid and Pakistan’s Shadab have made leg-spin to be the point of debate in the early weeks of KFC Big Bash League (BBL). Adelaide Strikers recruit Rashid delivered perhaps the ball of the tournament to date with a perfect googly that deceived Sydney Thunder veteran Ben Rohrer and knocked his off stump.

On the other hand, Shadab became the youngest overseas player to take part in the tournament as he bagged four wickets in two matches for Brisbane Heat. Against Renegades he bowled three overs in the Power Play and finished with 2-17 from four overs, the only positive out their seven wickets loss.

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Renegades left-armer Hogg, who turns 47 in February but looks fit like previous seasons, says the method used by Shadab and Rashid should be the blueprint for young Australian wrist-spinners hoping to have T20 success.

“We look at the overseas leggies compared to the Australian leggies – they’re a lot quicker in the air and a lot quicker in their action. If you look at all the spinners around the world that have that quicker arm action, they are more difficult to pick,” Hogg was heard saying while talking to Cricket Australia.

Hogg further added that Australian leg-spinners don’t have a quick wrist actions which helps the batsman to read it easily.

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“Those that are slow and do the Shane Warne walk to the crease, they don’t have as quick an action. The batsman picks the wrists a lot easier with those type of bowlers. Shane Warne was absolutely brilliant but he had a very good core. Sometimes these younger players coming through don’t have the core strength so they need to be a bit quicker in their run-up., Hogg revealed the key to success in that chat.

Shadab’s ability to purchase sharp spin while occasionally bowling above 100kph is a rare skill, while Rashid too is able to deceive batsmen with his arm action. Even Hogg, who is a bit slower than the young duo has retained the quick action that makes his wrong’ one difficult to pick.

Shane Warne has also expressed his happiness on seeing so many leg-spinners taking part in this BBL.

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Hogg further mentioned that a leg-spinner’s mind is equally important like his variations and admits that knowing one’s limitation is a key factor.

“If you look at the spinners, the guys that are here, they turn the ball excessively both ways. Other leg-spinners don’t turn it as much but know their limitations and do their jobs. You’ve got to know your limitations and know your game plans against the opposition,” the experienced Hogg signed off.