Leg Before Wicket, or LBW, is one of the modes of dismissal in cricket. It's the subject of great discussion and great confusion. Cricket fans debate it, non-cricket fans understandably have a tough time grasping it.
Simply put, to be out LBW, your legs have to intercept the ball before it hits into the stumps. However, there are some key points to know for LBW to come into play.
1) First of all, the ball must – in the opinion of the umpire – be going on to hit the stumps if it hadn’t hit the pad first. If it is deemed to be missing the stumps, it cannot be out.
2) You cannot be out LBW if the ball hits the bat or glove before it hits the pad, even if it's going on to hit the stumps. The first contact must be with the leg or foot for LBW to come into play. You can also be out LBW if the ball hits your body.
3) The umpire may not give an LBW if the ball pitches outside the line of leg stump on delivery. This is to counter bowling negatively, making it very difficult for the batsman to hit the ball. However, LBW can come in to play if the ball pitches outside off-stump.
4) When the ball pitches outside off stump, LBW can be given if the first contact with the leg is in line with the stumps. If the ball hits the batsman and they are outside the line of the stumps, this is not out. There is one exception to this rule – if a batsman is deemed not to be playing a shot, e.g. leaving the ball and is hit outside the line of off-stump, they can still be out LBW (if the ball is going on to hit the stumps).
How does DRS work?
DRS (or the Decision Review System) uses technology to review LBW decisions if the batter or bowler believe there has been a mistake by the umpire. Each team gets two reviews per innings, and if the decision is overturned the review is retained.
During the review, the 3rd umpire will check where the ball pitches, where it hits the batter, whether or not the batter has hit the ball, and if the ball is going on to hit the stumps.
How to ask for DRS
The captain or batter can ask to use the decision review system by making a T sign with their hands. They have 10 seconds to ask once a decision is made or that decision becomes final.
We hope that clears up LBW for you. It’s a tricky one to learn, but once you grasp it you’ll know it for life!
If you have any questions about Leg Before Wicket, feel free to drop us a line on our social channels - we are @graynics everywhere.
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