Cricket is a sport of skill, strategy and fine margins, and one of the most challenges decisions in it is LBW. If you’re a casual observer of games or are an avid fan, there’s every chance that you have heard commentators and umpires refer to “LBW” more times than not. But, what is it really, and how is it used during a game?
In this comprehensive post, we will give you the full form of LBW in cricket, meaning, origin and rule for deciding when a batsman can be given out LBW and its importance in Tests, ODIs as well as IPL. We will also clarify familiar confusions, such as the difference between LBW in cricket and as stated in medical terms, along with its historical development.
LBW Full Form in Cricket
Also known as LBW Full form of LBW in cricket is “Leg Before Wicket”.
It’s one of the ten ways a cricketer can be dismissed. The LBW rule applies in a case where the bowler delivers a ball and it strikes the batter’s leg (body, but not bat or glove holding the bat) before hitting wicket if it were to prevent the ball from hitting the wicket and this is after taking into account its probable path.
On the face of it, LBW stops batsmen from using their legs to block deliveries which would otherwise hit the stumps.
For example:
When a bowler bowls a straight ball and it hits the batsman’s pad before he or she can get their bat in front of the stumps, if the umpire believes that the ball was going to hit those then usually the batsman is out LBW.
LBW Full Form in Cricket in Hindi
For Hindi speakers, the LBW full form in cricket in Hindi is:
“लेग बिफोर विकेट” (Leg Before Wicket)
It simply means the ball would have hit the stumps if it had been allowed to continue on its path without being stopped by the batsman’s leg. This is a fundamental rule of the game and directly relates to the concept that the bowler’s opportunity to dismiss the batsman with a ball at or directed in line with that last stump should not be unfairly interrupted by its hitting the batsman before it can reach those stumps.
If bowler needs to know lbw explain the LBW Rule in Cricket
The law on LBW in cricket The MCC, the custodian of the laws of cricket has defined LBW in Law 36. Here’s a step-by-step look at everything:
When can a batsman be out LBW?
A batsman may be given out LBW under the following circumstances:
- The ball shouldn’t pitch outside leg stump- the moment where the ball pitches not on the leg side of the batsman’s wicket, it can always be ruled out as LBW no matter what happens next.
- He ball shall have struck the pad in line with the stumps or on the off side of off-stump if he has not offered a shot.
- The ball would have gone on to hit the stumps Judge that if the ball had not been held up by hitting the pad, it would then have hit the wicket.
- No contact with the edge or bat – If the ball touches either the bat or a protective device worn on the batsman s person before hitting their pad, then he cannot be given out LBW.
The interplay of these factors means the LBW decision is one of the most difficult in cricket and increasingly one that requires technological solutions, such as Hawk-Eye and DRS (Decision Review System), to help umpires make an accurate judgment.
LBW Rules` Explanation With Pictures (In Simple Language)
We can’t display pictures here but let’s consider examples to visualize the rules of LBW:
- Scenario 1: Ball pitching outside leg stump – Not Out (LBW won’t be able to consider it).
- Scenario 2: Ball pitching in line and hitting the pad in front of stumps – Out if the gal was going to hit stumps.
- Scenario 3: Ball striking the pad outside off stump when playing a shot- Not Out.
- Scenario 4: Ball hitting the pad just outside off with no shot offered – Out lbw if the ball is going to hit the stumps.
These examples serve as a solid reminder to players and supporters of how important alignment, and intent are when it comes to the application of the LBW rule.
When Did the LBW Law Come Into Cricket?
The LBW law was not instigated until 1774 – almost 150 years after the game started out in England.
Batsmen of old would stand with their leg in the way of a ball, blocking its path to protect themselves from being bowled. This was considered a negative for bowlers. In order to ensure there was a balance, not playing at the ball with their legs will result in batsmen being given out caught behind.
Forty years down the line, it has been refined countless times – most notably with third umpires and technology-based reviews – to represent something fairer and more accurate.
LBW Full Form in Cricket IPL
The LBW law applies across formats – Tests, ODIs and T20 leagues such as IPL (Indian Premier League).
But because of the fast nature of the game in IPL, here it holds more relevance. LBW appeals are plentiful with bowlers often employing yorkers, slower balls and cutters. Umpires in IPL dooften use DRS to get LBW calls correct.
For example, you have known bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult and Rashid Khan who use their deadly toe-crushers or leg spin which traps the batsman LBW.
General Confusion: Abbreviation of LBW in Medical
LBW seems to be another acronym that is used in relation to fitness, but no it’s not what you think! And interestingly enough, the term LBW applies within the medical field too – with a very different meaning.
LBW stands for “Low Birth Weight” in Medical terminology.
It’s a term for babies weighing less than 2,500 grams (or about 5.5 pounds) at birth. Although cricket and medical terms are both abbreviated in like manner, their concept is in no way related.
So, do not mistaken with LBW full form in cricket and the other type of LBW being used in medical field.
What is the full form of LPW in Cricket (A misconception)
Many fans are confused that full form of LPW is in cricket acronym like LBW. But LPW is not a recognized term in the language of cricket.
The proper term is LBW (Leg Before Wicket) – LPW is just a typo thing that’s become common in searches or conversations on the Internet.
Significance of LBW in Contemporary Cricket
Nowadays that LBW rule is crucial to keep the game fair between batsmen and bowlers. If there was no LBW, batsmen could simply pad away straight deliveries and scoring would be even easier.
Whoops – LBW helps means that batsmen have to play a genuine shot as opposed to padding the ball out. It rewards bowlers who bowl good line and length, especially spinners, as well as fast bowlers aiming for the stumps.
By bringing DRS into play, the decisions for LBWs have become very precise – not only are wrong ones committed to history but decision making has added a new level of thinking on their part of captains and players.
Cricket History LBW Dismissals Which Made Headlines
Famous LBW decisions over the years have turned the course of important matches. Some of them were notably:
- LBW Sachin Tendulkar – one of the controversial decision Australia tour 1999.
- Ricky Ponting’s LBW in the 2005 Ashes series – the swing that swung a series England’s way.
- Virat Kohli being given LBW in vital IPL encounters – a testament to how the very best can succumb to a perfect inswinger.
Here are some instances that illustrate the importance and drama of LBWs in swinging a match.
How Technology Changed LBW Decisions
Prior to technology, LBW decisions were solely at the discretion of the on-field umpire – that led to its fair share of controversial ones too.
It became more scientific with the advent of Hawk-Eye, UltraEdge and Ball Tracking. With the advent of replay systems, umpires can see:
- Where the ball pitched
- If it touched the bat or pad first
- The line of the ball on its way to the stumps
DRS (Decision Review System) has ensured that sides are able to contest umpire’s lbw call in the interests of fair play.
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Lets Bust Some Myths LBW in Cricket India
In India, cricket is not just a game, it’s an obsession. The LBW rule is one of the most debated issues in cricket.
Whether played in small town streets or filled-up IPL stadiums, the LBW appeals are often greeted by excitement, tension and debate. Every “Howzat!” shout is all about the competitive spirit of Indian cricket.
The LBW law also introduces young players to the need for footwork, the basics of shot selection and playing with a straight bat, at least the minimum requirements of batting skills.
Tips to Avoid Getting Out LBW
Batsmen have a technique, for the most part, to avoid LBW. Here are some key tips:
- Keep an eye on the bowler’s hand right through the delivery stride of his.
- Step your feet in the direction of the ball line.
- All I can say is just play straight don’t hit across the line.
- Don’t fall forward over the pad.
- Use the bat to defend balls on stumps, not the pad.
Developing these basics will help cut down on you being pinned LBW.
Conclusion
The LBW full form in cricket – Leg Before Wicket is one of the most complicated and crucial rules of cricket. It’s fair play, tests the batsman’s skill and favours good bowling. From its inception in 1774 to its development with DRS in the contemporary era, LBW has come to epitomise equilibrium between bat and ball.
From the LBW full form in cricket in Hindi, LBW rule in IPL to even the LBW full form in medical, knowing context makes your cricketing knowledge so much more enriched.
So the next time an umpire raises a finger after hearing, “Howzat!” – you’ll understand precisely what happened and why it matters so much in the beautiful game called cricket.
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