LBW in Cricket — Complete Guide to Leg Before Wicket
LBW is cricket's most argued dismissal. This complete guide explains the three conditions for an out decision, the umpire's process, DRS referrals, and common misconceptions about Leg Before Wicket.
Leg Before Wicket (LBW) is one of cricket's ten modes of dismissal and one of its most debated. An LBW occurs when a ball strikes the batter's body — most commonly the pad — instead of the bat, and the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps had the body not been in the way. Getting an LBW decision right requires the umpire to assess impact position, where the ball pitched, and the projected path of the ball simultaneously.
The Three Conditions for LBW
- The ball must have pitched in line with or outside off stump (not outside leg stump). If a ball pitches outside leg, it cannot be LBW regardless of projected trajectory.
- The impact must be in line with the stumps — between off and leg stump, with some allowance for the batter's movement.
- The ball must be projected to hit the stumps — not going over, not going down leg, and not missing off stump.
Umpire Decision Process
When a fielding side appeals ('How's that?!'), the umpire rapidly processes: did it pitch outside leg? (if yes, not out immediately). Is there an inside edge onto pad? (if yes, not out). Was the impact in line? Is the ball going to hit? Only when all checks pass does the finger go up. The umpire gives the benefit of the doubt to the batter when uncertain — so marginal LBWs often remain not out on the field.
DRS and LBW
DRS (Decision Review System) has transformed LBW adjudication. Hawk-Eye technology tracks the exact pitch location and projects a 3D ball path to the stumps. The umpire's call (UC) mechanism means that if the original decision was 'out', the ball only needs to be hitting 50%+ of the stumps to be upheld on review. If the original decision was 'not out', more than 50% must be hitting to overturn it. This asymmetry protects the on-field umpire's judgment on truly marginal calls.
Frequently asked questions
Can a ball that pitches outside leg be LBW?
No. A ball that pitches outside leg stump cannot result in an LBW dismissal regardless of impact position or projected trajectory. This is an absolute rule with no exceptions.
What does 'umpire's call' mean in a DRS review?
Umpire's call applies when the ball tracking shows the ball is marginally hitting or missing the stumps — inside 50% hitting. In that zone, the original on-field decision stands. It protects the umpire's judgment on genuinely uncertain calls.
Can a batter be LBW if the ball hits their bat first?
No. If the ball strikes the bat before hitting the pad, an LBW appeal must be rejected regardless of where the ball was going. A clean edge onto pad is not LBW.
What happens if the batter is outside the crease at impact?
An LBW can still be given if the batter's pad is struck in line with the stumps even if the batter has stepped forward. However if the batter is hit outside the line of off stump while attempting a shot, the LBW must be turned down.