The Switch Hit in Cricket — Is It Legal? Law 36 and the Controversy
Everything about the switch hit in cricket: what it is, whether it is legal, how it affects LBW law, the famous Kevin Pietersen switch hit, and the MCC debate over its legality.
The switch hit is a batting shot in which the batsman changes their grip and stance just before — or as — the bowler releases the ball, effectively becoming a left-handed batter (if they were right-handed) and hitting the ball to the opposite side of the field. It is one of cricket's most innovative and controversial shots, generating intense debate about its legality and fairness to bowlers.
The Kevin Pietersen Switch Hit — 2008
The switch hit became famous through Kevin Pietersen of England, who played it to devastating effect against New Zealand's Scott Styris in an ODI in 2008. Pietersen switched his grip and stance from right-handed to left-handed and hit the ball over the boundary — a six. The umpires ruled it legal (the ball had been bowled), but it raised immediate questions about LBW law and fairness.
Is the Switch Hit Legal?
The switch hit is legal under the Laws of Cricket, provided the batsman completes the change before the ball is delivered (i.e. they are not still switching as the ball reaches them). The MCC confirmed this position, noting that the switch hit does not violate any law — the batsman is free to change their grip and stance at any point.
LBW and the Switch Hit
The LBW implication is the switch hit's thorniest issue. Under the current MCC ruling, if a right-handed batter switch-hits and the ball hits their (now left-side) pad in what would be the off-side of their original stance, the LBW conditions apply as if they were still in their original stance. This means the switch-hitter gets no LBW protection on what is now their 'leg side' — an unusual asymmetry in risk.
Reverse Sweep vs Switch Hit
The reverse sweep is related but different: the batsman reverses their wrist position to play the ball to the off side (rather than the conventional leg side for a sweep), but does NOT change their stance. The switch hit involves a complete stance change. Both are technically legal; both are high-risk, high-reward attacking options against spin bowling.
Frequently asked questions
Is the switch hit legal in cricket?
Yes. The switch hit is legal under the Laws of Cricket, confirmed by the MCC. The batsman may change their stance and grip before the ball is delivered.
What happens with LBW if a batsman plays a switch hit?
The MCC ruling is that LBW applies as if the batsman is in their original (natural) stance — regardless of whether they have switched. This means switch-hitting batters get no LBW protection on their 'new' off side.
Who is the best switch hitter in cricket?
Kevin Pietersen is credited with popularising and best executing the switch hit in international cricket. Eoin Morgan and several T20 specialists have also used it effectively.