‘Absolute nonsense’: Harsha Bhogle, Kevin Pietersen spar over legality of switch hit

It was an enthralling day of Test cricket between India and England in Hyderabad as Ollie Pope personified resilience, notching up his fifth Test century. He partnered with Ben Foakes as the duo added 112 runs for the sixth wicket, steering England through challenging moments and giving them something to believe at the end of day’s play in the first of the five-match series.

Pope’s innings, dominated by sweeps, reverse sweeps and switch hits, befuddled the Indian spinners. During the commentary, Harsha Bhogle pointed out that while it made for enthralling viewing, it was not necessarily fair on the bowlers.

As a response, Kevin Pietersen, who was another fine exponent of the reverse sweep and switch hits, disagreed with this assessment and even called it ‘rubbish’. He said: “It’s 3:25 local time and I’m off downstairs because you’re talking rubbish.”

However, after the day’s play, Harsha Bhogle gave a proper explanation of what he thought should be the right way to look at things: “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.”

Absolute nonsense!