Over the years, the style of batting has changed a lot. Batters used to bat in conventional ways when Tests and ODI formats were played in the game. However, in the last few years, with the growth of T20 cricket, the batters have started playing different shots. This has resulted in playing these shots not just in T20 but in Test and ODI cricket.
These innovations have made bowlers’ life difficult, although the poor execution of these shots has led to the batter’s downfall. Meanwhile, in this listicle, we will discuss the three most innovative attempts in the game.
Three most innovative shots in cricket
1. Upper Cut
During India’s tour of South Africa in 2002-03, the Proteas bowlers used short bowling under the shoulder as a tactic against the Indian batters. Not many batters were pullers of the ball, such as Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, etc.
However, the latter started playing the uppercut above the keeper, third-man fielder. After this, he kept playing the shot until he ended his career. Not to forget, Sachin Tendulkar used to play it sometimes.
2. Scoop
It is a shot that needs a lot of practice as even a slight misexecution may injure you/ lose your wicket. Meanwhile, former Sri Lanka skipper Tillakratne Dilshan started playing scoop shots against pacers. He brought up this shot many years back, and others have followed suit.
These days, England white-ball skipper Jos Buttler plays it against pacers while opening the batting in T20 and batting in the slog overs in ODI cricket.
3. Switch Hit
Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen started playing this shot in an ODI game against New Zealand. Scott Styris was bowling in the game. Since then, many bowlers have been created to become the victim of switch hits.
However, there was a time when some ex-players started questioning the legality of the shot. So finally, after many years, a few batters play this shot, and it feels like any other Tuesday.