Six-hitting Pietersen could see his 'switch shot' banned by MCC

Right-hander Pietersen showed incredible skill during England’s one-day victory over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street by twice effectively turning himself into a left-hander and hitting sixes off Scott Styris on his way to a century.

Six of the best: Pietersen, batting left-handed, puts this ball from Styris into orbit

But the shot has led to calls for it be outlawed because it gives the batsman an unfair advantage over the bowler.

MCC media secretary Abi Carter said today: “Our secretary Keith Bradshaw, head of cricket John Stephenson and other committee members are meeting tomorrow and one of the things they will discuss is Kevin Pietersen’s shot.

“We were asked to look at it by the International Cricket Council. The shot has generated quite a lot of interest but we won’t make further comment until after that meeting.”

Smashing: Pietersen in typically ebullient mood batting right-handed

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has not complained about the tactic but  several former players, including West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding,  believe it is unfair because bowlers have to announce in advance which hand they are going to deliver the ball with.

Pietersen, who played the shot against Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan last summer, claims the criticism is “ridiculous”.

The MCC could recommend a ban but the process of changing any law in cricket
can be a lengthy one. There is nothing in the current rulebook to prevent Pietersen
attempting a repeat when England play the Kiwis at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Andrew Flintoff, meanwhile, will launch his latest comeback tomorrow by playing for Lancashire 2nd XI against Durham.  He has been out for five weeks with a side strain and may ease his way back by appearing solely as a batsman in the three-day fixture.

The 30-year-old missed the Test series with New Zealand but hopes to be fit to face
South Africa at Lord’s next month.