Understanding LBW in Cricket
LBW stands for ‘Leg Before Wicket’ in cricket. It is a law in cricket that governs the dismissal of a batsman. When a batsman is dismissed LBW, it means that the ball has hit their body, typically the leg, before hitting the bat and would have gone on to hit the stumps if the body had not been in the way.
How LBW Works
LBW is a complex law in cricket that involves multiple factors such as the position of the batsman, the line of the ball, and where the ball would have gone if it had not hit the batsman’s body.
Examples of LBW
- If a fast bowler bowls a full toss that hits the batsman’s leg right in front of the stumps, it is a clear case of LBW.
- If a spinner bowls a ball that turns sharply and hits the batsman’s pad in line with the stumps, the umpire might give it out LBW.
Statistics on LBW
LBW is one of the most common modes of dismissal in cricket. In international matches, LBW accounts for around 25% of all dismissals. It requires a keen eye from the umpire to make the correct decision as it can be a game-changer.
