Kevin Pietersen was banned from playing his switch hit by the umpires in the Test match against Sri Lanka. But it’s still a perfectly legal shot to play for most batters.

The action by Umpire Asad Rauf on day two of the Test came about because Pietersen was adjusting his grip position early and the bowler - Dilshan - was refusing to bowl. It was a stalemate that was both funny and frustrating.

The switch hit is a shot KP has used many times before and has even coached others how to play in his online coaching course How to Switch Hit. Under ICC game rules Pietersen’s early move is not allowed, and so Rauf was correct to officially warn the England man.

However, under the MCC Laws of Cricket (which governs all games below International level) the switch hit is still allowed:

“MCC believes that the 'switch-hit' stroke is exciting for the game of cricket. Indeed, the stroke conforms to the Laws of Cricket and will not be legislated against.”

 Here is the statement on the MCC website.

Which means as a batsman can still switch hit. That’s great news if you are a batsman because you can still play the shot in certain situations.

And if you are a bowler you need to look out for it. The Umpire can’t take any action so you need to know how to defend against it.

To learn how and when to play the switch hit, and many more shots from Kevin Pietersen himself, click here.