A "short ball" in cricket refers to a delivery bowled by a fast bowler that bounces closer to the batsman than usual. The aim is to force the batsman onto the back foot or induce a false shot. There are many synonyms for the term "short ball" which can vary by region or team. Some of the commonly used phrases include "bumper" or "bouncer" in Australia, "chucking in a snorter" in England and "beamer" in India. Other phrases include "short-pitched delivery," "rising delivery," or "throat ball." Regardless of the term used, a well-executed short ball can be a game-changer in cricket.