Warne's problem with switch-hit stunners

Shane Warne has echoed Ian Chappell's sentiments on switch-hitting, as Glenn Maxwell delivered one of the most stunning shots imaginable.

Maxwell launched a massive six off Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the third ODI in Canberra on Wednesday. The 100m blow was a genuine switch-hit in which Maxwell flipped both his bat grip and stance; after playing variations of switch-hits and reverse-sweep shots at other times in the series.

Chappell told Wide World of Sports that while switch-hitting was incredibly skillful, it was also inherently unfair to the bowler and fielding side and should be banned.

While not going that far, Warne suggested that rules around the tactic needed review.

"As a bowler, we have to nominate what hand we're bowling with, and what side of the wicket we're bowling with," Warne said on Fox Cricket.

"I'm setting a field to a right-hand batsman, so now when they switch-hit, I'm actually bowling to a left-hand batsman.

"I'm not sure I like it. It's worth a discussion, worth a debate to work out what's the right thing.

"Maybe the bowler can run up behind the umpire and bowl over or around."

Fellow former Test spinner Kerry O'Keeffe said that he was in favour of switch-hitting, an extraordinary skill which few cricketers in the world have mastered.

"I wouldn't mind people trying to switch-hit me, because I reckon it's a higher-risk shot," O'Keeffe said.

"It's not against the laws [of cricket]. Running in right-handed over the wicket and bowling around the wicket is illegal. It's outside the laws.

"Switch-hitting is inside the laws and it's entertaining. I like it."

Warne was commentating when Maxwell launched his stunning six against India. He noted that Maxwell had become so efficient at switching stance that the bowler didn't even have the chance to adjust.

"He doesn't go early, he doesn't give the bowler a look at it," Warne said.

"As a bowler, generally the batsman gives you a cue. Geez, that's a big hit."

Maxwell made 59 from 38 balls as Australia fell to defeat in the dead-rubber match at Manuka Oval.

On Wednesday, Australian great Ian Healy said that switch-hitting was fine and bowlers needed to improve their reactions to the tactic. He said that bowlers could perhaps be afforded more leeway with leg-side wides, given the batsman's stance was changing.