Elliott hits back at Sarfaraz over ‘reverse swing’ statement

Former New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliot has criticised Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s comment about reverse swing in a tweet on Saturday.

Elliot was against the idea of reverse swing coming into play in the World Cup. The former Kiwi player was adamant in his belief that reverse swing should be rooted out by replacing the ball if it starts to reverse.

“With two new balls it should not reverse swing after 25 overs. If it does the ball should be replaced by the umpires,” he tweeted. “Reverse swing shouldn’t decide this World Cup. Pace and spin yes, but not reverse swing.”

Sarfaraz earlier had praised pacer Wahab Riaz for a magnificent spell late against Afghanistan on Friday in the World Cup warm-up match where he produced extravagant reverse swing that almost won Pakistan the game.

“That’s why we picked him [Wahab]. We want pace and reverse swing,” he said.

Elliot however was not impressed by the comments of the Pakistan Skipper and stated that he had an issue with reverse swing.

“I just have an issue against reverse,” he tweeted. “Not against it if there was only one ball [used].”

The 40-year-old further insinuated that reverse swing is not an art but depends entirely on the condition of the ball.

“No it would be like giving the leggy a ball with a pronounced seam. My point is that the skill is only there if the ball is in bad shape,” he tweeted. “It shouldn’t get into bad shape in 25 overs.”

Elliot also insinuated that foul-play might be involved in the art of reverse swing.

“Can someone tell me how it’s done? If you give me some sandpaper, I could do it no problem,” he added.