Index

Reverse swing, Counter swing

Reverse or 'counter' swing has been much in the headlines in recent years, though whether it is a genuinely new phenomenon or has been in the game for decades without being labelled is an open question. If it happens at all, reverse swing usually occurs with an older ball. As the ball becomes worn with use and the 'shiny' side is also rough, a point may be reached where the ball does indeed swing towards the shiny side, contrary to 'normal' practice. This reverse swing can be enhanced or reduced by the position of the seam when the ball is being bowled

Umpires have to be extra-vigilant when the ball is swinging - since, faced with appeals for LBW, they have to decide whether the swing would have taken the ball on to the stumps or sent it harmlessly past them.