Switch-hit or switch thoughts?

A change always takes a while before it is accepted by those practicing and observing the activity, but the big debate around the ‘Switch-Hit’ is about its validity and not about its inclusion as a batting shot. If my memory serves right, only Pietersen and Warner have had a try at the ‘controversial’ hit with decent success. Pietersen, sort of discovered the shot in 2008, and the cricketing fraternity hasn’t converged upon a decision regarding the legality of the shot 4 years later. MCC (custodian of the laws of the game) had endorsed the shot in 2008 and had reaffirmed that stand 2 months ago, when Warner executed that hit (in a T20I vs India). If the law-makers are to be believed, the switch hit is an exciting addition to the batting skills.

There have been opposing views and it would be silly to banish these thoughts without answering them with proper justification. The logical counter-argument is the undue advantage the batsman gets when he attempts to execute the shot – the LBW will still remain the same for the stance which the batsman has initially taken. This is a valid argument which challenges the rules that are followed at the moment for the switch-hit. The logical way out of this debate could be bringing in a few changes in the rules of LBW. If only the rules are to be looked at, the act of switching could allow 3 fielders behind the square – which is normally a no-ball. The MCC has clarified that the rearranged fielding position won’t merit a no-ball. A couple of thoughts which oppose the shot are why can’t the bowlers do the same – changing the bowling arm at the time of delivery or changing the delivery side? Also, why can’t a fielder change his position at the time of delivery? An attempt to answer these doubts is made below.

Most often we have seen graphics on TV which suggest that the ball, after leaving a fast bowler’s hand, takes less than three quarters of a second to reach the batsman. This time is practically insufficient for a fielder to move himself from one position into another drastically; unless he is close to the wicket – which is treated as an act to disturb the batsman. Hence the laws have addressed the issue by disallowing the movement of fielders at the time of delivery. Over to the bowlers argument – to be able to bowl with both hands decently would need reasonable ability of ambidexterity. We haven’t had any bowler attempt such a thing (at the international level), but if we get someone, then that change too should be considered for adoption. Changing delivery sides is an argument that doesn’t hold practically. The non-striker generally stands at the other side of the pitch and hence the bowler cannot bang into him! Also, the bowler is entitled to stop from his delivery stride if he finds the batsman turning his stance, hence it removes the complaint of helplessness. The laws also have a provision to not declare a ball to the off side of the reversed stance (originally the leg side), a wide, unless it’s too wide outside off (for the changed stance).

Innovation is order of the day and new skills should be appreciated rather than critically examined for its ‘moral’ validity. The laws can be modified to accommodate the ‘appropriate’ concerns of those opposing this shot (like including the LBW for either stance). Switching over the stance and striking the ball within a second is a very tough task and like the MCC has said – it is indeed an exciting addition to the game. The reverse sweep/pull was, and is, accepted because it doesn’t ‘morally’ deviate from the framed laws. If you think practically, the switch hit is only a subtle variation of the reverse hit. Acceptance of variations to the century-old skills will take time but taking a rigid stance against including them in the mainstream would appear archaic. The easy way to bash the new switch-hit is by calling cricket a batsmen’s’ game, but neither the fans nor the administrators are opposed to innovations with the ball or in the field, are they?