Betfair | Pietersen tests boundaries with reverse shots

Pietersen tests boundaries with reverse shots

Big-hitting innovator strikes back at criticsm

England batsman Kevin Pietersen has been defending the controversial left-handed shot which brought him two amazing sixes in Sunday's one-day international win over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street.

The Hampshire batsman says he intends to use the shot again despite criticism from those who complain that "reversing" weighs the game unfairly in the batsman's favour.

Pietersen said: "There are shots I have practiced and shots I have visualised and against New Zealand they came off."

The 27-year-old conceded that on another day the shots might not have been successful but reiterated his commitment to innovation, saying: "I try different shots (in order) to test boundaries. I never settle for mediocrity."

After winning the first One Day International on Sunday, England are [1.48] to win tomorrow's 50-overs match at Egbaston. New Zealand are 2.98 with Pietersen [1.62] to be Top England Batsman for the series.

17 June 2008 / About maxliu

Comments (1)

Times are changing! It is very true. The ICC and MCC challenged his shot but its all been 'OK-ed' now. So expect some very fancy left handed sixes from this right hander!

Ashwin | 17 June 2008