The LBW rule, explained simply
LBW stands for leg before wicket. A batter is out LBW when the ball hits their body instead of the bat, and it would have gone on to hit the stumps. The rule stops batters simply kicking the ball away.
The three questions the umpire asks
- Where did it pitch? The ball must not bounce outside the line of leg stump.
- Where did it hit the batter? The impact must be in line with the stumps. The exception is when the batter does not try to play a shot.
- Would it hit the stumps? The umpire must believe the ball would have gone on to hit them.
Other conditions
- The delivery must be legal. A batter cannot be out LBW off a no-ball.
- The ball must not have touched the bat or glove first. If it hits the bat first, it is not out.
- If the ball hits the bat and pad at the same time, the bat counts first, so it is not out.
Why "outside leg stump" matters
Leg stump is the stump nearest the batter's legs. A ball that bounces outside this line can never give an LBW, even if it would hit the stumps. Bowlers therefore aim at or outside off stump.
The "no shot" exception
Normally the impact must be in line with the stumps. But if the batter pads the ball away without trying to hit it, they can be out even when the impact is outside off stump. This stops batters defending with their pads.
LBW and DRS
LBW is the decision reviewed most often. Ball tracking shows where the ball pitched, where it hit, and its predicted path. Close calls can stay with the on-field decision because of umpire's call.
LBW examples
| What happened | Decision | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pitched in line, hit pad in line, going on to hit middle stump | Out | All three questions are answered yes. |
| Pitched outside leg stump, hit pad in line, hitting the stumps | Not out | A ball pitching outside leg cannot give LBW. |
| Pitched in line, hit pad outside off while playing a shot | Not out | The impact is outside the line and the batter played a shot. |
| Pitched outside off, hit pad outside off, no shot offered, hitting the stumps | Out | The "no shot" exception applies. |
| Hit the bat first, then the pad | Not out | LBW is impossible once the ball touches the bat. |
| Hit pad in line, but bouncing over the stumps | Not out | The ball would not have hit the stumps. |
Left-handed batters
For a left-hander, leg stump and off stump swap sides. The rule is exactly the same, just mirrored. This is why a right-arm off-spinner bowling to a left-hander can struggle to win LBWs: the ball often pitches outside leg stump.
Height and distance
There is no rule that says a batter hit high on the pad, or far down the pitch, is automatically not out. However, the umpire must be sure the ball would hit the stumps. The higher and further away the impact, the harder that is to predict. Umpires often give these not out.
What counts as the "leg"?
Despite the name, the ball can hit any part of the batter's body or clothing, not just the leg. The one exception is the hand holding the bat. A glove on a hand that is holding the bat counts as the bat, so the ball hitting it cannot be LBW.
Common LBW myths
- "You can't be LBW if you're hit above the knee." False. Height makes it harder to judge, but it is not a rule.
- "You can't be LBW off a spinner if you step forward." False. A big stride makes umpires more cautious, but you can still be out.
- "The ball has to hit your leg." False. Any part of the body counts, except a hand holding the bat.
Frequently asked questions
Can you be out LBW if the ball pitches outside leg stump?
No. If the ball pitches outside the line of leg stump, the batter cannot be out LBW.
Can you be out LBW if you are hit outside off stump?
Only if you did not attempt to play the ball with your bat. If you played a genuine shot, you are not out.
Can you be out LBW on a no-ball?
No. A batter cannot be out LBW from a no-ball.
Can you be out LBW if the ball hits your arm?
Yes, if all the other conditions are met. The only part of the body that cannot give LBW is a gloved hand holding the bat, because it counts as the bat.
Is LBW the same for left-handed batters?
Yes. The rule is identical, but leg stump and off stump are on the opposite sides.
Can a batter be LBW off a full toss?
Yes. If a full toss hits the batter in line and would have hit the stumps, the batter can be out LBW.