Chinaman

[mazzywoo]

Its me again-we seem to have lots of queries today! Anyone know the origin of Chinaman as a cricket term? My husband usually knows all there is to know about cricket but he's STUMPED on this one!! Thanking you in anticipation.

[Quizmonster]

Apparently, a man called Ellis Achong played for the West Indies in the 1930s, although he was in fact Chinese. He bowled in the manner involved in what is now called a 'chinaman'...ie a left-handed bowler's off-break.

[mazzywoo]

thanks for that, quizmonster!

[maxi29]

Here's what Wisden has to say: "The origin of the term "chinaman" is reported to have originated after Achong had Walter Robbins stumped during the Manchester Test of 1933. According to Richie Benaud, as Robbins walked back to pavilion he said to Joe Hardstaff Snr, the umpire: "Fancy being done by a bloody chinaman".
The point being that Achong was an orthodox spinner but bowled one with the wrist to Robbins,which as QM says is an offf-break from a left-hander.