Rib tickler
A short-range bouncing ball is referred to as a rib tickler in cricket. In the event that the batsman’s assumption is not borne out by the rebound, there is a strong likelihood that he will not have the time to react in time, resulting in his being hit by a projectile in the stomach or from the side of the ribs. The name came into being as a result of this and refers to someone who tickles or counts the ribs.
Famous Examples of Rib tickler in Cricket
- Bodyline Series (1932–33) – England vs Australia
- Bowler: Harold Larwood
- Tactic: In order to restrict scoring and induce mistakes, England’s bowlers purposefully bowled short, rising deliveries that were aimed at the bodies of Australian batsmen, particularly Don Bradman. These blows, which frequently struck the torso and ribs, served as the model for the “rib tickler” technique.
- Jofra Archer – 2019 Ashes at Lord’s
- Key Moment: Steve Smith was hit in the neck and earlier hit around the ribs by Archer’s hostile short-pitched deliveries.
- Why It Worked: Archer cleverly alternated genuine rib ticklers with fuller deliveries, disrupting Smith’s timing and confidence, even though Smith was in top form.
