Impossible to officiate change of grip: Taufel on banning switch-hit

TIL Desk Sports/ Simon Taufel feels it will not be practical to outlaw the switch-hit shot, adding that it’s “impossible” for the on-field umpire to monitor the batsman for change in grip or stance.

Earlier this week, former Australian skipper Ian Chappell had suggested the ICC to ban switch-hitting saying the shot is “blatantly unfair” to the bowlers and the fielding team.

A switch hit involves a batsman changing the order of his hands (from left-handed to right handed grip or vice-versa) after the bowler has already started on his run-up.

“The game of cricket is not a science, it’s an art. We’re not perfect,” the former ICC Elite Panel umpire said.  “When we say that we want to ban that type of shot how does the umpire officiate that? It’s impossible,” Taufel added.