Natwest Series 2008-Pietersen’s Switch-Hit Shot Gets Official Backing From MCC
Jun 18
England batsman Kevin Pietersen’s reverse-handed shot that took New Zealand by surprise two days ago was cleared by cricket’s rule-making body today. In his match-winning innings of 110 not out, Pietersen launched New Zealand medium-pacer Scott Styris for two sixes after switching his stance from right- to left-handed at the last moment. His performance ignited a debate about the shot, which had already come under scrutiny from the International Cricket Council at a meeting in Dubai in May.
“The MCC believes that the switch-hit stroke is exciting for the game of cricket,” Marylebone Cricket Club, the sport’s rule-making body, said in a statement. “It conforms to the Laws of Cricket and will not be legislated against.” The MCC ruling said the shot was legitimate because it did not give an unfair advantage to batsmen, and said it was a risky tactic that “offers bowlers a good chance of taking a wicket.”
Pietersen, 27, known for his flamboyant stroke play, last played the shot in an international match against Sri Lanka in 2006 before stunning Styris with his display in England’s 114- run victory at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, north- east England. “It’s important that we as players are innovative, and if this shot helps make cricket more exciting and entertaining for spectators then that has to be good for the sport,” Pietersen said in a statement.
The second of England’s five-game one-day series with New Zealand takes place in Birmingham and will be shown live on star cricket at 15.15 IST
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