Ex-England leader Kevin Pietersen and renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle disagreed on switch-hit regulations in the current India and England Test match.
While commentating on Day 3 of the starter series in Hyderabad on a Saturday, the 27th of January, a discussion occurred. Bhogle questioned if the switch-hit shot was legal. He thought it was not fair to the bowlers and shared his view that it should be forbidden.
Pietersen, the pioneer of the revolutionary shot, had a different perspective on the subject. He even stepped out of the commentary box, refusing to engage Bhogle on switch-hit.
A former cricket player responded to a fan’s post on X (previously known as Twitter). He claimed that Bhogle’s views on the switch-hit were nonsense.
Here’s how Kevin Pietersen responded to Harsha Bhogle’s opinion on the switch hit in commentary:
“I never thought I’d hear you squash entertainment in sport. I’m so happy it’s 3.20 pm local time and I’m going back downstairs.”
Meanwhile, on the pitch, after being bundled out for 246 in the first innings, England improved in the second essay on day three. Ollie Pope’s unbroken 148-run innings helped the visitors reach 316/6 before stumps. They’ve built a huge 126-run advantage and are fully back in the game.
“Because something is difficult, it doesn’t make it acceptable” – Harsha Bhogle on Kevin Pietersen’s remark
Kevin Pietersen’s social media post received feedback from Harsha Bhogle. Bhogle revisited the topic of the ‘switch hit’ legality. He suggested that if batters can alter their stance mid-delivery, bowlers should also have equal flexibility to bowl with either hand.
Bhogle says:
“Absolute nonsense! If you want to switch hit allow a bowler to bowl with both hands. Because something is difficult, it doesn’t make it acceptable. The bowler has to inform the umpire if he wants to bowl left handed, the batsman must have the same condition. May the debate continue.”
Harsha Bhogle
England will start batting on Day 4 and try to extend their advantage to set a difficult goal for India on the spin-friendly pitch. Ollie Pope will be joined by Rehan Ahmed, who is undefeated on 16 at stumps.