Yorker

A Yorker is a specific type of delivery in the sport of cricket. It is bowled with the aim of pitching the ball very close to the batsman's feet, often landing on or just in front of the popping crease (the line marking the batsman's ground) or even under the bat. The intention is to make it difficult for the batsman to play a scoring shot, and to potentially bowl them out, trap them leg before wicket (LBW), or induce a nick through to the wicket-keeper or slips fielders.

A well-executed yorker is considered one of the most difficult deliveries to face, as it gives the batsman very little time to react and adjust their footwork. The batsman must be quick to get their bat down in time to defend their stumps or pads. If the yorker is aimed at the base of the stumps (the "blockhole"), it is particularly challenging to play.

The yorker is a versatile delivery and can be used at any point in an innings, but is commonly employed by fast bowlers towards the end of an innings, particularly in limited-overs cricket, to restrict scoring and take wickets. It is an important weapon in a bowler's arsenal, often used in conjunction with slower balls and bouncers to keep the batsman guessing. Mastering the yorker requires accuracy, control, and the ability to bowl the ball at pace. A full toss, which bounces before the batsman due to loss of pace, is not considered a yorker, nor is a delivery that bounces well before the popping crease.