Curran’s best weapon? The ‘moon ball’ strikes again

Sam Curran’s trademark “moon ball” helped England beat Australia by 135 runs in the second one-day international in Adelaide. After a difficult return from injury, the all-rounder took two wickets in two balls, beginning with Jack Edwards, whom he deceived with a delivery clocked at 50mph.

The variation is a very slow ball disguised by maintaining his usual arm speed, and its effectiveness depends on its contrast with faster deliveries and on pitching it full. CricViz figures show Curran averages 17 with ODI balls below 90km/h since developing it in 2025, compared with 45.16 when bowling faster; Edwards was the fourth batter dismissed by the delivery. Former England bowlers said slower-ball variations are increasingly important as batters become more powerful.