Allan Gibson Steel was a hugely successful leg-spinner, but he saw limited potential for its development. Roger Mann

Joe Vine bowled quick leg breaks, perhaps in an effort to overcome his batting frustrations. Sussex CCC Museum

Bernard Bosanquet popularised the googly, raising the expectations placed on leg-spinners. Roger Mann.

But Bosanquet faced ridicule when he first unveiled his new delivery in the nets at Oxford University. Times Media

SF Barnes developed a stiff-wristed, fast leg break which has never been equalled. Roger Mann

South Africa’s Aubrey Faulkner (batting) became obsessed with replicating the genius of SF Barnes. Patrick Ferriday

Alf ‘Tich’ Freeman broke wicket-taking records but failed to attract much attention from the England selectors. Roger Mann

Charles ‘Father’ Marriott had a sensational Test debut in 1933 – his only match for England. Roger Mann

Australia’s Arthur Mailey (far left) was criticised for giving advice to England’s Ian Peebles.

Walter Robins played for many years, but his effectiveness declined after being advised to slow down. Getty

Doug Wright had an eccentric run-up, but remains England’s most successful Test leg-spinner. Roger Mann

A well-planned googly from Eric Hollies kept Don Bradman’s Test average below 100. Getty

The eccentric Roly Jenkins offered his tips to newspaper readers.

After Bob Barber, no specialist leg-spinner played for England in the Ashes for 35 years. Roger Mann

Robin Hobbs was the last English leg-spinner to take 1,000 first-class wickets. Getty

Warwick Tidy made his first-class debut at 17 and was sacked at 22. Warwick Tidy Collection

Sussex’s Andy Clarke struggled for many years for recognition that his leg spin could be effective in first-class cricket. Preston Nomads CC

Ian Salisbury had a good county career, but never secured a permanent England place. Sussex CCC Museum

Chris Schofield made a remarkable comeback for England after his county side sacked him. Getty

Scott Borthwick played one game for England in the 2013/14 Ashes – dismissing Brad Haddin and three others. Getty

The future: Can Adil Rashid become a fixture at international level? Getty