How Umpires Make LBW Decisions: The Step-by-Step Process
LBW decisions are cricket's most complex rulings. Here is exactly how on-field umpires and DRS ball-tracking technology evaluate each appeal.
Leg Before Wicket (LBW) is dismissed as complex, but umpires follow a clear mental checklist in sequence. Getting the logic right is essential for players, coaches, and fans watching from the stands.
Step 1: Did the Bat Hit the Ball First?
An LBW cannot stand if the ball hit the bat (or glove holding the bat) before hitting the pad. If bat-before-pad is clear, the umpire dismisses the appeal immediately.
Step 2: Where Did the Ball Pitch?
The ball must pitch in line or on the off side of off stump. If it pitches outside leg stump, the batter cannot be LBW regardless of what happens next — this rule protects leg-side play.
Step 3: Where Did the Ball Hit?
The ball must hit the pad in line with the stumps (between off and leg stump as seen from above). If it hits outside off stump, the batter still has the benefit of playing a shot — if the umpire believes a genuine shot was offered, outside-off hits are not out.
Step 4: Was the Ball Going On to Hit the Stumps?
Finally, the ball must be going on to hit the stumps. Umpires judge this by trajectory, pace, and spin. Ball-tracking technology (used in DRS reviews) calculates this with 95% confidence intervals projected onto the stumps.
Frequently asked questions
Can a batter be LBW if they offer no shot?
Yes. If a batter makes no genuine attempt to play the ball, they can be given out even if the ball hits outside the off stump — the playing-a-shot exception only applies when a genuine shot is offered.
What is umpire's call in DRS for LBW?
Umpire's call means the ball is only clipping the stumps. Because ball-tracking has a margin of error, the original on-field decision is preserved when the ball is only marginally hitting the wicket.