Batting Guard in Cricket: Leg Stump, Middle, and Off Stump
Batting guard tells a batter where they stand relative to the stumps. Learn about leg stump, middle stump, and two-leg guard, and why professional batters choose different guards.
What Is a Batting Guard?
A batting guard tells the batter exactly where to position their bat relative to the stumps. Before facing the first ball, a batter will ask the umpire for guard — the umpire looks down the pitch and signals when the bat tip is aligned with the chosen stump or gap. The batter then marks this position with the bat spike or a scrape on the crease.
Types of Guard
| Guard | Also Called | Bat Aligned With |
|---|---|---|
| Leg stump | One leg | Leg stump |
| Middle and leg | Two leg | Gap between middle and leg stumps |
| Middle stump | Centre | Middle stump |
| Off stump | Off | Off stump (rare) |
Why Does Guard Choice Matter?
The guard helps a batter know where their stumps are without looking behind them. It determines where they set up to play and affects their judgment of which deliveries are on the stumps (and must be played) versus those they can safely leave.
How to Take Guard
- Walk to the crease and ask the umpire for your preferred guard
- Hold the bat upright with the toe on the crease
- Move the bat left or right until the umpire signals 'that's it'
- Scrape a mark on the crease to remember the position
- Use the mark at the start of each over if the crease is scuffed
Guard in Different Formats
In T20 cricket, some power hitters skip taking a formal guard and simply stand where they feel comfortable to attack. In Test cricket, where concentration spans are longer, the guard mark is carefully maintained throughout long innings as a reference point.
Frequently asked questions
What guard does Virat Kohli use?
Virat Kohli is known to use a leg stump guard, which helps him play the off-side extensively while keeping the stumps covered against in-swing deliveries.
Can a batter change guard during an innings?
Yes. A batter can ask for a new guard at any time, particularly after moving position or if the crease marks become unclear after a rain delay.
Does the guard affect LBW decisions?
Guard affects where a batter stands, which influences how balls pitching outside leg stump or on the stumps are judged. A middle stump guard exposes more of the stumps to LBW risk than a leg stump guard.