Reverse Sweep in Cricket
What is the reverse sweep? How to play this unorthodox shot, its risks and rewards, and why it has become a crucial weapon in modern cricket.
The reverse sweep is a sweep shot played in the opposite direction — instead of hitting toward square leg, the batsman changes hand position and hits the ball toward the off side. It is one of the most innovative and risky shots in modern cricket, popularised in limited-overs cricket as a way to disrupt spin-bowling field placements.
How to Play the Reverse Sweep
- Get down on the front knee as for a standard sweep.
- At the last moment, swap the hands on the bat — bottom hand becomes the top hand.
- The bat face reverses — now pointing to the off side.
- Swing through the ball toward third man or point.
- The ball is deflected toward the off side, catching the fielding side off guard.
Why Use the Reverse Sweep?
Spinners bowl to specific fields — often with fielders clustered on the leg side to prevent the standard sweep. The reverse sweep exploits the exposed off side, scoring where the spinner least expects. It is particularly effective against off-spinners who have packed the leg side.
Reverse Sweep vs Standard Sweep
| Feature | Standard sweep | Reverse sweep |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Leg side (fine leg / square leg) | Off side (third man / point) |
| Hand swap | No | Yes — just before contact |
| Main risk | Top-edge over wicketkeeper | Edge to keeper, LBW |
| Target fielder | Square leg | Third man / backward point |
Frequently asked questions
Is the reverse sweep legal?
Yes — it is a completely legal stroke. There is no Law restricting the batsman from changing hand position during a shot.
Who invented the reverse sweep?
The reverse sweep was first played widely by Mushtaq Mohammad and Mike Gatting in the 1980s. Kevin Pietersen is credited with popularising the 'switch hit' (an extreme version involving stepping across the crease).