By Glenn Pearson
KENT coach Graham Ford has backed Kevin Pietersen’s ‘switch hit’ shot and has warned the Twenty20 effect will provide even more innovative shots in the future.
After England star Pietersen played the shot in a One-Day International against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street last Sunday it became a much debated point over its legality.
Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding was incensed the shot was deemed legal by the MCC as it essentially sees a batsmen switch between batting right-handed to left-handed – without informing either bowler or umpire.
He said: “What you have to remember is that the captain and the bowler set the field. There are field restrictions that they have to adhere too.
“When you have set your field for a right-hander or a left-hander and then by the time you have bowled your delivery, the batsman has changed hands, well I think that is a bit unfair on the bowler and the fielding team."
However, Kent’s South African coach gave his backing to the use of the shot. He feels it is part of the modern game and would encourage his players to attempt it.
He said: “I think players have used that shot before and no one has thought about complaining about it before. In my eyes the bowlers bowl and it’s us up to the batters to get the ball away however they choose, as long as it is in the rules of the game.
“It is a fantastic shot and is part and parcel of this exciting and wonderful product that is the Twenty20 competition.
“There will be more innovation from both batsmen and bowlers and isn’t that great? It is all about changing and moving the game forward and I would support any of our players who went for the shot.”
The Kent Spitfires are in the middle of a hectic schedule that will see have seen them play 10 Twenty20 games in 17 days. With the added incentive of a chance of competing in the inaugural Champions League and the £2.5 million, Ford has seen a change in approach from other counties.
He said: “From our point of view we have not really thought about it. We are in such a tough pool where every game is like a cup final at the moment. For us and the players, the Champions League is not really in our minds at all as we prepare for games.
“In some other clubs it is part of their long-term strategy. Clubs like Durham have brought in Shaun Pollock specifically for this Twenty20 campaign.
"Some counties have put more emphasis on Twenty20 than they have in the past because of the carrot dangling at the end of it, which is of course the Champions League. We are not really in a position to do that so it doesn’t really effect us.”
POSTED: 22/06/2008 10:00:00