Pietersen 'switch' could be banned by MCC

Golden shot: Kevin Pietersen's left-handed swipe is to come under official scrutiny
David Lloyd13 April 2012

Kevin Pietersen's use of his controversial 'switch' shot will be investigated by the game's lawmakers at Lord's tomorrow.

Right-hander Pietersen showed incredible skill during England's one-day victory over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street by twice effectively turning himself into a left-hander and hitting sixes off Scott Styris on his way to a century.

A spokeswoman for MCC said today: "Our secretary Keith Bradshaw, head of cricket John Stephenson and other committee members are meeting tomorrow and one of the things they will discuss is Kevin Pietersen's shot.

"The International Cricket Council have asked us to look at it. The shot has generated quite a lot of interest but we won't make further comment until after that meeting."

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has not complained about the tactic but several former players, including West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, believe Pietersen is gaining an unfair advantage given that bowlers have to announce in advance which hand they are going to deliver the ball with.

Pietersen, who also played the shot against Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan last summer, claims the criticism is "ridiculous".

And there is nothing in the laws to prevent him attempting a repeat when England play the Kiwis at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

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