Andrew Tye: Knuckle ball is my most powerful weapon in T20 cricket

04/15/2017

Gujarat Lions' pacer Andrew Tye revealed that he has taken around 5-6 years to master the Knuckle ball trait, which has ultimately become his most potent weapon in the shortest version of the game. He was effusive in the praise of India and said that it is a great place to develop one’s game.

On his IPL debut, Andrew Tye made the fantastic use of the knuckle ball, a type of the delivery in which the bowler uses the tip of the index finger and the middle finger with the thumb providing the base while running into bowl. And since the grip isn't too tight, the ball comes out much slower than expected, much to the dismay of the batsman. With the knuckle ball, Tye got four of his five wickets, including a hat-trick, to lead Gujarat to their first victory of the tournament.

Speaking about the rare trait, Tye told iplt20.com, "It has probably taken me five-six years to get to the stage where it [the knuckle ball] is today. I have practised it hard and have practised with the right intent. Now, it is my most powerful weapon in T20 cricket.

The only bowler to take a hat-trick and five-for on IPL debut, Tye had also picked a hat-trick for Perth Scorchers in a Big Bash League match against the Brisbane Heat. But he revealed that he had decided to bowl the slower one before running in to bowl the hat-trick ball last night, unlike the Big Bash league game when he was confused to bowl any one particular delivery.

"Unlike the hat-trick, I took in the Big Bash, I actually knew it was a hat-trick ball. It came out perfectly as sometimes you try too hard and it just doesn't go right. You always go back to your run-up and think 'What ball am I going to bowl?' I had decided I'd bowl a slower ball before I ran in. I was able to get it on the stump and the batsman missed it."

Tye, who was bought by Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 IPL and by Gujarat Lions in the following year, spent a considerable period of time warming the bench and bowling in the nets. But, in the hindsight, he believes that it has allowed his game to develop.

"Even if you are not playing, India is a great place to develop your game and learn from the best players in the world. Playing with the international players and the Indian players, my cricket has really come on. It only leads to the development of your game.

"This morning our Coach Hodgy (Brad Hoge) told me 'Get set to play. You're definitely playing'. To get a wicket in the first over settled me down. I came here with nothing to lose. When you've waited that long for a chance, you got to take it. I was happy the way I came out and performed tonight."

Andrew Tye: Knuckle ball is my most powerful weapon in T20 cricket

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