Kevin Pietersen is not really like Sreesanth Santhakumaran, Harbhajan Singh, Andrew Flintoff or Andrew Symonds. Though others are good/great cricketers skilled with talent, they always get into trouble or rather create news for wrong reasons.
KP’s latest innovation on the field, during the first ODI against New Zealand has created some controversy though. The extremely talented batsman hoisted Scotty Styris for a six by changing the stance to that of a left hander while the bowler was yet to release the ball.
Now, the grand old body of cricket in England, the MCC, is meeting to discuss the legality of the same. It is good that they are very proactive on it – especially when a side is touring England – and it shows their hospitality as well.
I am a great fan of Kevin Pietersen and his never give up and arrogant attitude. However, what he did is not exactly like what batsmen do when they want to do a reverse sweep for example. He changed the stance while the bowler was yet to deliver. Now, there is a rule that field settings cannot be changed while the bowler is on his run up. I guess the same is applicable to the batsman as well. Because, the bowler decides on his side (over or around the wicket) to bowl to a batsman of a particular orientation (left handed/right handed etc) and with certain skills. If he dynamically decides to change his stance, can’t the bowler as well swich suddenly to around the wicket or vice versa while running itself?
Though innovation is good, it should also make sense and justice to both the parties. However, in this particular case as there are no rules defined we can bail out KP!