KP Switch Hitting

[JKSpurs]

I was sitting here thinking about the KP switch hitting debate (for which I think the MCC made the right decision) but a few points came to mind and I can't find anyone to discuss them with in work so I was hoping there might be some interest from SC members.

Firstly what's your view on it ?

Secondly If the MCC have decided there is nothing wrong with it, could you as a naturally right handed batsman, take your guard left handed so the rules regarding how many players you can have on the legside/ ball pitching outside leg for LBW etc are as they would be for a left hander. Then as the ball is being bowled switch to your natural right handed stance to hit the ball with the added benefit of the fielder's not being the in the right place etc.

It could be argued that's not within the "spirit of cricket" but I think an interesting point.

Must say I think its great, and Maximum respect to KP. Can't wait to see someone else try it and get out though !

 

[montylynch]

This debate could rumble on forever, i think if you are naturally gifted right handed batsmen and you take your guard left handed 1. You'd probably feel very uncomfortable, 2. The oppo would know what you're up to and set the field accordingly 3. you'd have a higher chance of getting out as the time it would take you to spin round to the correct stance, get in line and play the ball in the correct right handed stance you would minimise the chance of an effective stroke. Even if you stayed in the left handed stance you'd still have a higher chance of getting out as it's not your natural stance.

I doubt bowlers would be aggreived at this, you'd have a better chance of taking a wicket if you bowled it straight and full.

Could you imagine if he tried it against someone like Allan Donald, Brett Lee or Curtly or Courtney !!

I can't see many players trying this, only the naturally talented and gifted batsment would give it a go, if you get out you'd look very foolish.

One day cricket is all about improvisation and i think it's great for the game. Bowlers can bowl bouncers, full bungers and yorkers, both slow and fast, so why can't batsmen try something different. I bowl spin and i certainly don't tell the batsmen if i'm bowling a gooly or a wrong'un. I for one tried it in the garden the other night and managed to wahck myself on the back of the calf and almost impale myself with my bat. I definately won't be trying it during a game !!

 

[Coyboy]

It's an interesting point mate but vastly hypothetical for the reasons stated above. There was nothing at all wrong with KP and bowlers who get annoyed with it do so because it is embarrassing for them. Didn't Botham invent the reverse sweep? What about deliberately padding to balls pitched on the leg side? Sport is about innovation. What about O'Sullivan using his left hand to play shots? What about Ronaldinho using his back to make a pass? If we cut out all these sorts of new and exciting ways of playing sport, it would be no more interesting than watching paint dry.

 

[Tickers]

If I were a bowler I'd be thrilled about this. We've already seen Mal Loye make a giant glans of himself trying to hit reverse-slogs in the Twenty20 Cup this week, purely because he thought it'd make him look clever. Unfortunately, as there was a fielder at deep point it was all rather pointless.

He won't be the last journeyman player trying to get himself five seconds on Sky Sports News, so there should be some cheap wickets around for bowlers who can bowl full and straight.

KP's bloody ace, though.

 

[JKSpurs]

I don't think there is anything worng with it in fact I think its great.

I'm not going to be able to play anymore this year as I've fucked my knee, but I'll be having a go in the nets next year !

 

[Bill_Oddie]

People always used to assume I was batting wrong-handed... :|

 

[Barmy_in_Palmy]

Can't wait to see someone else try it and get out though !

KP is just a copycat, the entire NZ cricket team played as switch hitters throughout the test series and no one said anything then.

 

[JKSpurs]

I think Jarvid Meiandad (Sp) was the first to play the switch hit in the world cup about ten years ago, but still KP is a legend for pulling it off so well.. twice.