Cricket’s Forbidden Move: The Trick Batsmen Are Banned From Using

Imagine a shot so destructive, so against cricket’s traditions, that authorities banned it after just one match. This isn’t fiction—it’s the unbelievable story of the “Marlboro Shot”, an audacious batting trick that exploited a loophole in cricket’s laws, terrified bowlers, and forced the ICC to rewrite the rulebook overnight.

Today, we reveal the shot that broke cricket—why it was outlawed, how it worked, and why modern innovators like Glenn Maxwell are still pushing the boundaries of what’s legal.

The “Marlboro Shot”: Cricket’s Most Dangerous Trick

Origins:

• First attempted by South African batsman Pat Symcox in a 1997 ODI.
• Named after his cigarette sponsor (yes, really).

How It Worked:

1. The batsman would stand outside leg stump before the ball was bowled.
2. As the bowler ran in, he’d suddenly switch to a right-handed stance (if originally left-handed).
3. This turned leg-stump deliveries into easy off-side hits.

Why It Was Deadly:

• Bowlers couldn’t adjust their line mid-delivery.
• Field placements became meaningless.
• Symcox hit 24 runs off one over using this trick.

The ICC’s Emergency Ban

Just 48 hours after Symcox’s exploit, the ICC introduced Law 41.5:

• “The striker must not significantly alter their stance after the bowler starts their run-up.”
• Punishment: Dead ball + 5 penalty runs.

Symcox’s Reaction:
“I didn’t break any rules—I just outsmarted them. Cricket wasn’t ready for innovation.”

Modern “Almost-Illegal” Shots

While the Marlboro Shot is banned, today’s batters still push limits:

1. The Switch-Hit (Glenn Maxwell’s Weapon)

• Legal but controversial: Batsmen change grip/stance as the bowler delivers.
• Why bowlers hate it: Turns a leg-spinner into an off-side full toss.
• ICC Rule: Allowed, but some demand restrictions.

2. The “Scoop” (Mongol Sweep)

• Pioneered by Dilshan, perfected by Buttler.
• Risk: If missed, it’s certain LBW or bowled.

3. The “Stance Creep” (Steve Smith’s Trick)

• Gradually moving outside leg stump before the ball is bowled.
• Grey area: Legal, but tests umpires’ patience.

Could the Marlboro Shot Work Today?

With modern batting aggression, why hasn’t anyone tried it again?

1. Umpires are hyper-aware of stance changes.
2. Penalty runs make it too risky.
3. T20 cricket has better (legal) alternatives like switch-hits.

Fun Fact: In 2021, a club cricketer in Australia tried it—umpires awarded 5 penalty runs to the fielding side.

Conclusion: Where Should Cricket Draw the Line?

The Marlboro Shot proves cricket constantly struggles with innovation vs. tradition. While shots like switch-hits add excitement, authorities must decide:

• Should batsmen have unlimited creativity?
• Or should bowlers get more protection?

One thing’s certain: if a new “Marlboro Shot” emerges, the ICC will kill it fast.

FAQ Section

Q: Has any professional batsman been penalized for illegal stance changes?
A: Yes! In 2019, a Zimbabwe player was warned for excessive shuffling.

Q: Why is the switch-hit legal but the Marlboro Shot isn’t?
A: The switch-hit happens as the ball is delivered, not before.

Q: Could a bowler do something similar?
A: Yes! “Mankading” is the bowler’s version of rule exploitation.