The LBW rule explained
A batter is out leg before wicket (LBW) when the ball, not already hit by the bat, strikes the batter on the body and would have gone on to hit the stumps. The ball must not have pitched outside leg stump.
The three checks
First, where the ball pitched: in line with the stumps or on the off side, never outside leg. Second, where it struck the batter: in line with the stumps, or outside off stump only if the batter did not play a shot. Third, whether the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps.
DRS and umpire's call
Ball tracking predicts the path after impact. If the prediction clips the stumps by a small margin, the on-field decision stands. That is called umpire's call.
Playing a shot
If a batter offers no shot and is hit outside off stump, they cannot be out LBW, even if the ball would have hit the stumps.
Frequently asked questions
What does LBW stand for?
Leg before wicket.
Can you be LBW if the ball pitches outside leg stump?
No. A ball pitching outside leg stump can never be out LBW.
What is umpire's call?
When ball tracking shows a marginal hit on the stumps, the original on-field decision is kept.
Can a batter be out LBW to a no-ball?
No. A no-ball cannot result in an LBW dismissal.