What is the name of the position in the game of cricket which corresponds to "pitcher" in the game of baseball?

In the world of bat-and-ball sports, the player who delivers the ball to the person holding the bat is known as a bowler. While this role is functionally similar to a baseball pitcher, the technique is fundamentally different and strictly regulated. The primary rule is that a bowler must deliver the ball with a straight arm, rotating it over the shoulder without bending the elbow. This motion is what defines the action as "bowling" rather than "throwing," which is illegal in the sport.

The bowler's objective is to dismiss the batsman, most commonly by hitting the set of three wooden stumps, called the wickets, located directly behind the batsman. Unlike in baseball where the ball travels through the air directly to the catcher, most deliveries in cricket are intentionally bounced off the ground (the pitch) on their way to the batsman. This bounce adds a complex layer of strategy, as the bowler can use it to alter the ball's speed, angle, and direction.

Just like pitchers, bowlers have a wide array of styles and specialties. Some are known as fast bowlers, using raw pace and atmospheric swing to intimidate and beat the batsman. Others are spin bowlers, who rely on clever wrist and finger actions to impart spin on the ball, causing it to deviate sharply and unpredictably after it bounces. Regardless of the style, the bowler initiates every single play, setting the tone for the battle against the batsman.