The full form of LBW in cricket is Leg Before Wicket.
LBW is a method of dismissing a batter in cricket. It occurs when the ball, had it not been intercepted by the batter's leg, would have gone on to hit the wicket.
History of LBW
The LBW rule was introduced in 1774 to prevent batters from deliberately using their legs to prevent the ball from hitting the wicket. Before its introduction, batters could stand in front of the wicket, blocking the ball with their legs without fear of being dismissed. This significantly hampered bowlers' ability to take wickets.
LBW Rule Considerations
The umpire makes the decision on whether to give a batter out LBW based on several factors:
- Pitching: The ball must pitch in line with the wickets or on the off-side of the wicket. If the ball pitches outside the leg stump, the batter cannot be out LBW (except under specific circumstances governed by certain playing conditions).
- Impact: The ball must impact the batter's body in line with the wickets or on the off-side of the wicket.
- Wickets: The ball must be going on to hit the wickets. This is often determined by ball-tracking technology, which predicts the path of the ball.
The umpire must consider all these factors before making their decision.
