In this article, We will discuss LBW full form, LBW rules, What is LBW in Cricket?, Umpires Call in LBW, and much more.

Cricket is a complex game and has many rules which can be very difficult to understand for a complete newbie. LBW in itself has many criteria and rules such as the pitch of the ball, Umpires Call, Height, and much more but do not worry as we will explain everything related to LBW in this article.

LBW Rules Explained

LBW full form

LBW in Cricket stands for Leg Before Wicket. As the name suggests, when the ball hits the leg or the pad of the batter, it can be nominated as an LBW appeal.

LBW Meaning

LBW is one of the ways by which a batsman can be dismissed in cricket. The final decision is made by the On-field Umpire or the Third Umpire. If the ball hits the batsman (mostly legs) without making any contact with the bat then the fielding team can appeal for Leg Before Wicket.

LBW Rules in Cricket

Now, many other things come into the picture after the ball hits the pads. Some of the basic criteria are as follows

• The ball should be in the line of the stumps and should be hitting the stumps. It means that the Cricket ball must be hitting the stumps and the leg has blocked that moment.
• The ball must pitch with the line of the stumps or outside off. If the ball is pitching outside leg then it does not count for an LBW.
• The impact of the ball must be within the stumps. This rule will not apply if the batsman does not offer any shot. It means the batsman was not trying to make any contact between the bat and ball.
• Another very important rule is that the ball must be hitting at least 50% of the leg stump or off stumps. This is decided using ball-tracking technology by the Third Umpire. 

The above mentioned are some of the basic rules of LBW and there are many complex rules as well which we will discuss later in the article.

Also Read : DRS in Cricket – DRS Rules, Full form, and Umpires Call

Umpires Call in LBW

This can be very confusing to some people and we will try to break it down into very simple terms as possible. So, basically when a team appeals for an LBW there will be two outcomes of that appeal.

One will be that the Umpire will agree with the appeal and will give it out. The Other will be that the Umpire does not think it will be hitting the stumps or he thinks that the ball has made some contact with the ball before hitting the batsman and will term that appeal as not out.

Now, the fielding team has an option to avail the facility of the DRS (Decision Review System) if the Umpire gives not out. Every team has 2 DRS available in each innings and they do not lose it if they successfully reverse the decision or if it’s an Umpires Call.

Now, let’s understand Umpire’s Call. If the ball does not hit the stumps more than 50% according to the ball-tracking technology but does hit some part of the stump then it is termed a Umpires Call.

Umpires Call not only comes into the picture when it hits the stumps but can also play a role on Impact the ball, pitch of the ball and so on.

The two main rules of Umpires Call are

• If the on-field Umpire agrees with the LBW appeal and if the batsman opts for a DRS and the ball-tracking technology shows as Umpire Call on hitting then it will be out.
• If the on-field call is not out and if the ball-tracking technology shows the Umpires Call then will stay not out itself as the Umpire has given his call as not out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How LBW is given out in Cricket?

As we discussed earlier. The final decision of the LBW is made by the Umpire or the third umpire. The team can also opt for a DRS review if they are not satisfied with the on-field call.

How LBW is Judged?

LBW has some basic criteria which should be followed

• The ball must not make any contact with the bat.
• The ball must pitch in the line of the stumps or outside off.
• The impact of the ball must be within the stumps. The impact will not be included if the batsman does not offer any shot.
• The ball must be hitting more than 50% of the stumps.

What is the impact on LBW?

LBW decision and only be valid if the impact is within the stumps when the ball hits the stumps. If the impact is outside the line of stumps then the batsman is safe.

What is Outside Leg in LBW?

If the ball pitches outside the leg then the decision is not valid and the batsman is safe. Outside Leg means the ball pitching outside the leg stump. The ball can pitch outside the off stump but cannot pitch outside the leg stump.

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