Reverse Sweep in Cricket — Technique, Risk and Famous Shots
What the reverse sweep is in cricket, how batters play it against spin and pace, the risk of playing across the line, and the most famous reverse sweeps in international cricket.
The reverse sweep is a high-risk, high-reward batting shot in which a right-handed batter plays what looks like a left-handed sweep — hitting the ball from outside off stump to the off side boundary, rather than the on side. It is used primarily against spin bowlers to disturb their field and score in areas they have not covered.
The Technique
The right-handed batter kneels on the front knee and reverses their grip on the bat handle (right hand becomes dominant, bat face tilts toward the off side). The ball is swept through the point or third man region — the reverse of a normal sweep that goes to fine leg or mid-wicket. The shot requires excellent hand-eye coordination and early decision-making: the batter must commit before the ball pitches.
When Batters Use It
The reverse sweep is deployed against off-spinners when the bowler has packed the on side (many fielders on the leg side, including deep mid-wicket and mid-on). By reversing the sweep, the batter hits into the unguarded off side — point, backward point, or third man. It disrupts the bowler's field plan and forces them to reposition. Also effective against slow left-arm orthodox bowlers (SLA) who turn the ball away from right-handers.
The Risk
Playing the reverse sweep across the line exposes the stumps and increases LBW and caught-behind risk. Kevin Pietersen (England) was controversially reverse-swept in the 2005 Ashes — but succeeded brilliantly. England's Mike Gatting was famously dismissed reverse sweeping off Allan Border in the 1987 World Cup final — a dismissal that cost England the tournament. The shot divides coaches: some consider it reckless; others see it as a legitimate weapon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the reverse sweep legal?
Yes — the reverse sweep is a legal shot. There is no Law preventing a batter from reversing their hand position. The only restriction is that once the bowler begins their delivery, the batter cannot switch their grip (but they can switch during their forward movement).
Can you get out LBW playing a reverse sweep?
Yes — and the LBW rule for reverse sweeps is complex. When a right-handed batter plays a reverse sweep, their 'leg side' effectively switches. The umpire judges LBW based on where the ball pitched, the impact point, and the trajectory toward the stumps — all of which change when the batter reverses.
Is the paddle sweep the same as the reverse sweep?
No. A paddle sweep (or glance) deflects the ball from outside off stump to fine leg with a gentle bat face — a different shot from the aggressive reverse sweep. The paddle is a redirection; the reverse sweep is an attacking swing.