How To Play A Reverse Sweep In Cricket? Step-By-Step Guide In 2023
Cricket is a game that is full of innovative and creative shots. One such shot that has gained immense popularity over the years is the reverse sweep. The reverse sweep is a shot that requires a lot of skill and precision. And now, we will learn how to play a perfect reverse sweep.
Reverse Sweep is played in the reverse direction of a regular sweep. So, a right-handed batsman will hit the shot with a reverse grip on the offside. And a left-handed batsman will do the same thing in the reverse direction. However, this shot needs absolute accuracy, timing, and precision.
This shot is also behind the immense popularity of cricket around the globe, especially in the Indian subcontinent. So, without any further ado, let’s analyze this cricket shot!
What Is A Reverse Sweep?
A reverse sweep is a shot played in cricket, where the batsman, instead of hitting the ball with a conventional forward motion, swings his bat across his body in a reverse direction to the offside, hitting the ball towards the leg side.
This shot is usually played against spin bowling, and it requires the batsman to use the back of his bat to hit the ball.
Origin of Reverse Sweep
The reverse sweep shot is a relatively new addition to the game of cricket compared to some of the traditional shots like the cover drive and the pull shot.
It was first introduced by Mushtaq Mohammad, a former Pakistani cricketer, in the 1970s. Mushtaq Mohammad was known for his innovative shots and his ability to improvise in different match situations.
The reverse sweep shot was initially used as a last resort by Mushtaq Mohammad to counter the spin of the great West Indian off-spinner Lance Gibbs during the 1976-77 series between Pakistan and West Indies.
Gibbs was a renowned spinner of his time and had the ability to spin the ball both ways. He was able to trouble the Pakistani batsmen with his sharp turn and bounce.
Mushtaq Mohammad, who was struggling to score runs against Gibbs, decided to try something new. He changed his grip and stance and played a reverse sweep shot to Gibbs.
To the surprise of many, the ball went over the slips for a boundary. This shot was something that Gibbs had not seen before, and he was left bewildered.
The shot became popularized by Graham Gooch in the 1980s. Gooch, one of the most successful cricket captains, was known for his aggressive style of play and was a great exponent of the reverse sweep shot. He used the shot to great effect against spinners and was able to score a lot of runs with it.
Since then, many batsmen have started to incorporate the reverse sweep shot into their games.
Who Invented Reverse Sweep?
The reverse sweep shot was first introduced by the legendary Pakistani batsman Mushtaq Mohammad during the 1970s.
The name “reverse sweep” comes from the fact that the shot is played in a reverse direction to the conventional sweep shot, which is played with a forward motion towards the leg side.
Is It Difficult To Play A Reverse Sweep?
Yes, the reverse sweep is a difficult shot to play. It requires a lot of skill, timing, and precision to execute the shot properly. Even some of the greatest batsmen of all time wait for the right deliveries to play this shot.
It is also considered extremely difficult for newbies. However, with practice and perseverance, any batsman can master this shot.
Step-By-Step Guide On How To Play A Reverse Sweep
We have already told you that it is not easy to play this shot, as it needs a systematic technique to perfect it. And here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to play the reverse sweep:
- Get Into The Right Position: The batsman should get into the right position by moving his front foot toward the off-stump and placing it outside the line of the ball.
- Get Into The Right Stance: The batsman should adopt a slightly crouched stance and ensure that his head is over the ball.
- Use The Bottom Hand: The bottom hand should be used to control the bat and generate power for the shot.
- Place The Bat Behind The Body: The bat should be placed behind the body, with the face of the bat pointing towards the ground.
- Pick The Length Of The Ball: The batsman should pick the length of the ball early and get into position to play the shot.
- Swing The Bat: The batsman should swing the bat across his body in a reverse direction to the offside, making contact with the ball at the right time.
- Follow Through: The batsman should follow through with the shot, ensuring that the bat comes down toward the ground after hitting the ball.
Techniques To Play Reverse Sweep Against Fast Bowlers
Playing the reverse sweep against great fast bowlers can be challenging. But with the right technique, it can be done successfully. Here are some techniques to play reverse sweep against fast bowlers:
- Pick The Right Ball: The batsman should wait for the right ball to play the reverse sweep, preferably a short delivery that is outside the off-stump.
- Get Into Position Early: The batsman should get into position early and be prepared for the ball.
- Use The Pace Of The Ball: The batsman should use the pace of the ball to his advantage and guide it towards the leg side.
Techniques To Play Reverse Sweep Against Spinners
Playing the reverse sweep against spinners is relatively easier than playing it against fast bowlers. Even some of the greatest spinners of all time can’t stop the Sixers from coming from reverse sweeps.
However, it still requires a lot of skill and precision. Here are some techniques to play the reverse sweep against spinners:
- Watch The Bowler’s Wrist: The batsman should watch the bowler’s wrist carefully to pick up any variations in the spin or length of the ball.
- Pick The Length Early: The batsman should pick the length of the ball early and get into position to play the shot.
- Use The Pace Of The Ball: The batsman should use the pace of the ball to his advantage and guide it towards the leg side.
Which Deliveries Are Ideal To Play A Reverse Sweep?
The reverse sweep is an attacking shot and should be played on a delivery that is wide off-stump and is pitched short.
The ideal delivery is one that is spinning away from the batsman and is not too full or too short. Some of the best finishers in cricket also try this shot in difficult spin deliveries, like Doosra and Teesra.
Common Mistakes While Playing Reverse Sweep And Solutions
Playing The Shot Too Early: This can result in a top edge, which can be caught by the fielder. Solution: The batsman should wait for the ball to come to him before playing the shot.
Not Getting Into The Right Position: This can result in the ball hitting the stumps or the pads. Solution: The batsman should ensure that he gets into the right position before playing the shot.
Not Using The Right Technique: This can result in a mishit or a miss. Solution: The batsman should practice the shot regularly and use the right technique.
Top 5 Batsmen Known For Their Reverse Sweeps
- Kevin Pietersen – The former England captain was known for his unconventional shots, including the reverse sweep. He played the shot with a lot of power and accuracy.
- Kumar Sangakkara – The Sri Lankan legend and one of the greatest wicketkeepers of all time was a master of the reverse sweep shot. He used the shot to great effect against spinners and was able to score a lot of runs with it.
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni – The former Indian captain was known for his aggressive style of play and was a great exponent of the reverse sweep shot. He used the shot to put pressure on the opposition and score quick runs.
- AB de Villiers – The South African hard-hitter is known for his innovative shots, including the reverse sweep. He uses the shot to great effect against spinners and is able to score runs at a quick pace.
- Eoin Morgan – The England captain is a master of the reverse sweep shot. He plays the shot with a lot of finesse and is able to score runs all around the ground with it.
Final Note
The reverse sweep is a difficult but effective shot that requires a lot of skill and precision. With the right technique and practice, any batsman can master this shot and use it to great effect against spinners and fast bowlers.
If you are training at a sports academy, resort to your batting coaches. They can give you an even tailored plan that will suit your batting style.
