June 18, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 13, 1429

LONDON, June 17: England batsman Kevin Pietersen was granted permission on Tuesday to continue his revolutionary switch-hitting tactics by the custodians of the rules of cricket.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Marylebone Cricket Club said Pietersen’s innovation conformed to the existing rules.

“MCC believes that the ‘switch-hit’ stroke is exciting for the game of cricket,” the statement said. “Indeed the stroke conforms to the laws of cricket and will not be legislated against.”

Pietersen changed his stance and grip from right-hander to left-hander twice in Sunday’s One-day International against New Zealand at the Riverside, hitting Scott Styris for six both times.

His tactics divided the pundits. Supporters hailed a bold new initiative by one of the world’s most exciting cricketers which they said could only increase the game’s appeal.

Critics said it unfairly handicapped bowlers, who have to advise batsmen through the umpire if they wish to bowl with the other arm.

The MCC, who were asked to deliberate on the legality of switch-hitting by the International Cricket Council, said the shot was difficult to execute effectively.

“It incurs a great deal of risk for the batsman,” the statement said. “It also offers bowlers a good chance of taking a wicket and therefore MCC believes that the shot is fair to both batsman and bowlers.”

The statement added that while bowlers had to advise umpires and batsmen of their mode of delivery they did not have to say what type of ball they planned to bowl.

Styris told reporters at practice before Wednesday’s second One-day International at Edgbaston that he had no problems with Pietersen’s tactics.

“There’s nothing wrong with what he’s doing,” Styris said. “As a bowler you have to think on your feet but it’s nothing different to a guy coming down the wicket at you. We all admire good cricket and I think that is what it was.”—Reuters