Reverse Sweep

I was browsing through espnstar.com, when i noticed a review of the cricket match between England and New Zealand. I have been engrossed with the happenings of Euro 2008, that i had in fact forgotten to tune into the ‘boring 50 over’ cricket channel. But leaving that aside, this match would not have stirred any interest but for the fact that Kevin Pietersen hit his sixth century. To be more precise, he reverse swept two sixes on his way to his century.

The most important aspect to note about his shot, apart from it being mouth watering, is the change in grip before he plays the ball. In the normal stance, the right hand is the bottom hand. In this particular shot, he transforms his left hand into the bottom hand, after the bowler releases the ball. So, in the blink of an eye, he is a left handed batsman.

I have not read the rules of cricket, but i have heard famous commentators long enough to realize that, this is a breach of the ethical rules of the game
. How can a right handed batsman change into a left handed batsman, when it is not possible for a right arm bowler to bowl with his left arm without prior notification. Doesn’t this do great injustice to the bowlers, who, as can be clearly seen, are being dominated in recent tournaments such as T20.

I personally suggest that this shot should be prohibited from the game of cricket. Else bowlers should be given leeway to change their bowling arm or their guard without prior notification, so as to bring a sense of balance into the game. Perhaps this might make the game more interesting. 💡