LBW in Cricket Explained: The Leg Before Wicket Rule
LBW, short for leg before wicket, is the most debated dismissal in cricket. It exists so batters cannot simply block the ball with their legs. Here is how Law 36 of the Laws of Cricket defines it, in plain English.
What LBW means
A batter can be given out LBW when the ball, without first touching the bat, hits any part of their body and the umpire judges it would have gone on to hit the stumps. The fielding side must appeal.
The conditions, step by step
Under Law 36, all of the following must apply:
- Legal delivery: it is not a no ball.
- Where it pitched: the ball did not pitch outside the line of leg stump.
- Body before bat: the ball struck the batter's person (not the bat) first. If ball hits bat and body at the same time, it counts as hitting the bat first.
- Point of impact: the impact was between wicket and wicket, or outside the line of off stump only if the batter made no genuine attempt to play the ball with the bat.
- Would have hit: but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.
| Situation | Can be out LBW? |
|---|---|
| Pitched outside leg stump | No |
| Pitched outside off, impact in line, would hit | Yes |
| Impact outside off, genuine shot played | No |
| Impact outside off, no shot offered, would hit | Yes |
| Ball hits bat first | No |
Bat and glove
For LBW purposes, the glove holding the bat counts as part of the bat.
Which side is leg side?
Off and leg sides depend on the batter. For a right-hander, leg side is to their left as they face the bowler (behind their legs); for a left-hander, it is reversed. That is why the same delivery can be LBW to one batter and not another.
Technology and DRS
In professional cricket, the Decision Review System uses ball-tracking to project the ball's path and check impact and pitching. Amateur matches rely on the umpire's judgement, which is why LBW decisions vary.
Avoiding LBW
- Lead with the bat rather than the pad.
- Keep your head over the ball and play straight.
- Be cautious about padding away balls that could hit the stumps.
Good pads won't stop LBW, but they protect you when the ball hits the leg. See our batting pads guide.
Common misconceptions
- "You can't be out if you're hit outside the line." You can, if you did not offer a genuine shot.
- "Height doesn't matter." It does: the umpire judges whether the ball would have gone over the stumps.
- "Hit on the full means out." Only if all conditions are met.
Worked examples
Example 1: Out
A right-arm bowler delivers a ball that pitches in line with the stumps. The right-handed batter misses with the bat, and the ball strikes the pad in front of middle stump, at a height where it would have gone on to hit the stumps. All five conditions are met: out.
Example 2: Not out, pitched outside leg
The ball pitches outside leg stump and spins back to hit the batter in line. Because it pitched outside leg, it cannot be LBW, however good the impact.
Example 3: Not out, impact outside off with a shot
The batter plays a genuine forward defensive and is hit on the pad outside off stump. Because they attempted a shot, an impact outside the line of off stump is not out.
Example 4: Out, no shot offered
The batter shoulders arms (leaves the ball) and is struck outside off stump, with the ball going on to hit the wicket. Because no genuine shot was offered, the batter is out.
Factors umpires consider
- Height: a ball hitting high on the thigh may have bounced over the stumps.
- Distance: the further the batter is down the pitch, the harder it is to judge the ball's path, so umpires may give the benefit of the doubt.
- Movement: swing or spin after impact must be estimated.
Law 36.2 says umpires assume the ball's path would have continued after interception, whether or not it would have bounced again.
LBW in junior and tennis-ball cricket
Some junior and informal formats modify or remove LBW to keep the game simple and encourage stroke play. Check your league's playing conditions.
How to appeal and umpire signals
Fielders appeal by asking the umpire, usually "How's that?". The bowler's-end umpire decides LBW. If out, the umpire raises an index finger. If not out, the umpire says so or simply does not signal. The batter must not leave unless given out or walking voluntarily.
Quick LBW checklist
| Question | Must be |
|---|---|
| Was it a no ball? | No |
| Where did it pitch? | In line or outside off (not outside leg) |
| What did it hit first? | Batter's body, not bat or glove |
| Where was the impact? | In line, or outside off with no shot offered |
| Would it hit the stumps? | Yes |
If every answer fits, the batter is out LBW.
Why the LBW law exists
Without LBW, batters could simply stand in front of the stumps and block every ball with their pads, making it nearly impossible to get them out. The law balances the contest by rewarding accurate bowling at the stumps and encouraging batters to use the bat. Its detailed conditions, such as the leg-stump rule, protect batters from being given out to deliveries that could not fairly be expected to be played with the bat.
Understanding LBW also makes you a better batter: knowing when you are vulnerable helps you decide when to play, when to leave, and how to position your front pad.
Quick answers on LBW
Can you be LBW off a no ball?
No.
Can a batter be LBW if hit above the bails?
Yes, the Law allows impact above the bails if the ball would still have hit the wicket.
Who gives LBW decisions?
The bowler's-end umpire, after an appeal.
Can you be LBW to a full toss?
Yes, if the other conditions are met; there is no pitching point to consider.
Leg stump and left-handers
For a left-handed batter, leg stump is on the opposite side, so the no-LBW zone outside leg moves with them. Bowlers changing angle around or over the wicket also change the LBW picture.
Frequently asked questions
What does LBW stand for?
Leg before wicket.
What is impact in LBW?
Where the ball hits the batter. It must be in line with the stumps, or outside off stump only if no shot was played.
Can you be LBW if the ball pitches outside leg stump?
No.
Can you be LBW without playing a shot?
Yes, and impact outside off stump can still be out if no genuine shot was attempted.
Is it LBW if the ball hits the glove?
No. The glove holding the bat counts as bat.
Protect yourself at the crease.
Shop batting pads
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.