MCC to discuss new batting strokes

Date released: 16 June 2008

MCC confirm that the use of unorthodox batting strokes will be discussed in a meeting at Lord's on Tuesday 17 June.

The topic of innovative or unorthodox strokes has come to the fore after Kevin Pietersen's 'reverse slog sweep'.

The topic was already on MCC Laws Sub-Committee's agenda, prior to Pietersen's innings.

Pietersen plays the debated shot at the Riverside Pietersen used the shot, to great effect, during England's one-day international victory against New Zealand at the Riverside, Durham.

Pietersen, usually a right-handed batsman, altered his stance and grip to bat left-handed and hit Kiwi bowler Scott Styris for two sixes during his innings of 110.

Back in May this year MCC were asked, by the International Cricket Council (ICC), to investigate the 'switch-hitting' technique in regard to the laws.

Speaking after the match Pietersen said: "Reverse sweeps have been part of the game for however long, I am just fortunate that I can hit it a bit further. Everybody wants brand new ideas, new inventions and that's a new shot."

Guardians of the Laws

MCC recently tested a pink ball in a match at Lord's As the trusted guardians of the laws of cricket, MCC investigate many new innovations in the game.

A pink ball for one-day cricket and the monitoring of illegal bowling actions are already being examined.

Changes to the laws are considered extremely carefully by MCC. Even slight changes to long established laws can have huge repercussions on many aspects of the game.

MCC take their role as guardians of the Laws of Cricket extremely seriously. Due to the complexity of any changes to the laws, MCC give full consideration to any requests to investigate specific elements.

MCC trial and test many new technologies and innovations, always with the balance of the contest between bat and ball uppermost in their considerations.