Summary
The switch hit — where a batsman changes from right to left-handed (or vice versa) mid-delivery — was ruled legal by the ICC in 2008 after Kevin Pietersen popularized it.
Full Explanation
The switch hit involves a batsman changing their stance from right to left-handed (or vice versa) as the bowler is delivering the ball, then playing the shot from the opposite side.
Kevin Pietersen brought the shot to prominence in 2008 when he played it repeatedly against New Zealand's Scott Styris. The shot raised questions about its legality and fairness.
The ICC ruled the switch hit legal, but with conditions: - The wide line is judged based on the batsman's original stance at the moment of delivery - The bowler cannot change their bowling arm without informing the umpire, but the batsman can switch freely - LBW decisions are judged based on the batsman's original position
Critics argue this creates an unfair asymmetry — a bowler must declare any change, but a batsman can switch freely. However, the ICC has maintained its position that the shot adds excitement and skill to the game.
Key Points
- •Ruled legal by ICC in 2008
- •Popularized by Kevin Pietersen
- •Wide line judged from original stance
- •LBW judged from original position
- •Bowler must declare changes but batsman can switch freely
Notable Controversies
- •Perceived asymmetry — batsman can switch but bowler cannot without informing umpire
- •Some feel it gives an unfair advantage to the batsman
- •Debate about whether the wide line should change with the batsman's stance
Related Rules
LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
A batsman can be given out if the ball hits the pad and would have gone on to hit the stumps, subject to various conditions about where the ball pitched and where it hit the pad.
Wide Ball Rules
A delivery bowled too far from the batsman to hit is called a wide. The definition varies significantly between formats — much stricter in T20s than in Tests.