Menno Gazendam is author of Spin Bowling Project. Get your free 8 week spin bowling course here

As soon as a bowler - like Mendis or Ajmal - comes on the scene that looks a bit different, we label them as unorthodox.

But, if they are unorthodox, what is orthodox bowling?

What does "orthodox bowling" mean?

Orthodox bowling technique simply means it is the way that works for most people. It is the technique that you can coach to a group of bowlers as this is a tried and tested method that works for the majority of people that will try and bowl.

But, what coaches need to understand is that orthodox bowling is not the right way, it is just the way that works for most. And so, when someone bowls in another way it should be encouraged.

First, it has to be seen if the bowler is actually having success with the way he bowls. If you bowl in a unique way (remember Paul Adams?) and take wickets then no one can or should fault you.

You like bowling with no run-up, using your palm and one finger plus thumb and off the wrong foot: Still taking wickets?

Yes?

Then go for it.

It is part of the reason that Sri Lanka produces so many unorthodox bowlers: The system lets the bowlers develop naturally, and coaches are quite happy to judge a bowler on his performance rather than what he looks like when he bowls.

This does not mean we must stop teaching orthodox textbook ways. These methods have been tried and tested and it is still essential that coaches adhere to them.

But, when a kid looks funny when he bowls then realise that one rule does not fit all and that we need to check him out, before we start messing with his action.