Cricket News: Ravichandran Ashwin advocates changing the LBW rule on a switch hit
Current regulations state that if a ball is pitched outside of the leg-stump, which is referred to as the batters' "blind spot," a player cannot be declared leg before even if it hits the stumps
Ravi Ashwin suggests change in LBW ruleRavichandran Ashwin, a legendary Indian off-spinner, believes that if a batter misses an attempt at a switch shot, they should be declared leg before wicket regardless of whether the ball is pitched outside of the leg stump. Since the area outside the leg-stump is regarded by hitters as a "blind spot," a player cannot be judged leg before even if the ball hits the stumps.
"My point is about lbw, not whether he can play reverse sweep or not, or if bowling outside leg stump is a bad bowling tactic or not”. Ashwin stated on his YouTube channel that it was unfair that it was not considered a legal lbw. Allow batters to play switch hits, but call LBW if they miss. When the batter turns, how can you claim it is not LBW? Some symmetry between bowling and batting might be preserved if they begin awarding that in all game formats, according to Ashwin, who has 442 Test wickets.
The off-spinner made reference to the just-finished fifth Test between India and England, in which the home team levelled the five-match series at 2-2 by chasing a record 378-run total behind centuries from Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow. "In this game, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow's strategy was crucial. Root played perhaps ten shots in which he totally spun around and attempted the reverse sweep”.
"He attempted that ten times, but nine of them failed to connect. On the tenth attempt, it rolled away after catching the underside”. Meanwhile, Bairstow continued cushioning the balls, according to Ashwin. When a ball pitches outside the leg stump and is not visible to a batter standing in his original stance, it is known as a blind area.
"This is where I have a slight difference of opinion”. As a bowler, I would like to let you know that I have this (leg side) field and will be bowling left-arm spin from over the stumps. While playing that reverse sweep and hitting like a left-hander, you front up to that like a right-hander.
“Due to the blind spot, however, Root won't be out LBW when he does that. Only when you are in your typical stance is it a blind area. It is no longer a blind zone after you play the reverse sweep and adopt a left-handed stance. It faces forward”, Ashwin said.