Switch-hitting

A new topic of contention has come about in the form of switch-hitting, a practice started by a certain batsman named Kevin Pietersen. To the uninitiated, it involves changing your batting stance during the bowler’s run-up and change yourself from a right-hander to a left-hander, and vice versa. Doesn’t sound too problematic, does it?

In fact, I’m not too happy. I’m not trying to discourage innovation. Hats off to KP, but the fact is, the bowler is severely disadvantaged because he sets a field for the right-hander and ends up bowling to a left-hander, which disrupts his plan. Moreover, according to the rule-book, the bowler has to inform the ump if he’s gonna change his bowling hand, or if he’s gonna change from ‘around-the-wicket’ to ‘over-the-wicket’, but the batsman doesn’t have to, which makes the game even more slanted towards the batsman.

Dan Vettori suggests that, to even things out, the bowler should be allowed to bowl down both sides of the wide line

The MCC, after having a meeting, declared the shot to be legal, saying that the ‘super execution’ of the shot shouldn’t mask the amount of risk the batsman involves himself in, and the fact that the bowler’s chance of taking a wicket is greater!

Though I’m not too happy with the ruling, I’m pleased that the MCC acted swiftly in order to prevent any potential fuses being blown during the remainder of the series.

Advertisement

NZ robbed in "broad" daylight!

Well, the second ODI between New Zealand and England concluded yesterday, and just as New Zealand seemed to find some luck on this tour, they were robbed of victory due to yet another foolish regulation which just gives more ammo for everyone who are calling for the ODI format’s head (including myself). The match was declared over without a result due to the fact that, according to the rules of messers Duckworth and Lewis, a minimum of 20 overs have to be bowled in each innings in order for a result to be arrived at. It wasn’t D/L that Dan Vettori was cursing, but the fact that, even though the rain was so unpredictable throughout the day, the rule-book stipulated that a minimum 30-minute “tea-break” had to be taken between innings. Both teams showed willingness to make with 10 minutes or so, but the rule-book didn’t allow them to do so, which meant that a match which looked to be in the bag for NZ (with just 7 runs required off the 20th over if they didn’t lose a wicket) went down the ground drainage along with the water on the ground!
I think the umpires could’ve perhaps shown more flexibility and reduced the break as it was quite sunny during the break time and they could’ve squeezed in another 3 overs or so!

Another point of contention was the fact that Collingwood kept changing his field after nearly every ball, which reduced the number of overs he bowled! I think that there should be a rule to discourage time-wasting, as the spectators are robbed of their money (esp. in a place like England, where they cough out nearly £67 for a match), and it denies the batting team the right to play more overs. Obviously, Colly said that he was really into the game, and couldn’t help it, but it was quite obvious what happened.

I feel that this game should just precisely show the administrators why a lot of people are calling for the expulsion of ODIs!