A switch hit is a modern cricketing shot first used Kevin Pietersen on 15 June 2008 in a one-day international against New Zealand when he effectively changed from a right-hander to a left-hander for the purpose of executing the shot.

The shot was innovated by Kevin Pietersen using which he hit 2 sixes in the cover region. The shot is executed by changing stance from a right-handed batsman to a left-handed batsmen or vice-versa during the bowler's run-up and hitting it in the cover (midwicket to a leftie) region. The shot generated quite some controversy with many questioning the legality of switch-hitting. Two fast bowling legends questioned the legality of Pietersen's switch-hit strokes. Michael Holding and Sir Richard Hadlee both suggested that the batsman gains an unfair advantage by effectively changing from a right-hander to a left-hander. The main argument was that the field placing is set for a right handed batsman and this switch hitting can give a batsman undue advantage of field placement.

However, the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club),^[1] guardians of the laws of cricket, have confirmed they will not legislate against the switch shot and cited that the shot was perfectly legal in accordance with cricketing laws. MCC believes that the 'switch-hit' stroke is exciting for the game of cricket. The MCC highlighted Law 36.3 which defines the off side of the striker's wicket as being determined by his stance at the moment the bowler starts his run-up.^[2] However, MCC accepted that implications remained for both the interpretation of the lbw and wide rules by a batsman attempting a "switch-hit".

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Marillier shot
• Paddle scoop
• Switch hitter

[edit] External links

• KP switch shot cleared by MCC

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