A bowler is primarily known in two main contexts:
- In cricket, a bowler is a player who delivers the ball to the batter with the aim of getting them out or preventing them from scoring runs. Bowling involves propelling the ball toward the wicket defended by the batter. Bowlers may specialize in different types such as fast bowlers, who focus on pace, or spin bowlers, who use spin to deceive the batter. The action of bowling is regulated to distinguish it from throwing, with specific rules about the motion of the arm. The main objectives for a bowler in cricket are to take wickets and limit the opponent's scoring opportunities by bowling with precision, speed, and movement of the ball in the air or off the pitch.
- In the sport of bowling, a bowler is a player who rolls a heavy ball down a lane to knock over pins arranged in a specific formation. The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible with each roll, ideally achieving strikes (knocking all pins down in one roll).
Additionally, "bowler" can also refer to a type of hard felt hat with a rounded crown and curved brim, historically popular in British culture, but this is distinct from the sports-related meanings. Thus, depending on the context, a "bowler" can be either a cricket player who bowls the ball or a player in the sport of bowling who rolls a ball to knock down pins. It can also denote a style of hat. The most common meanings relate to cricket and bowling sports. Let me know if you want details on a specific type of bowler.
