Why pitching outside leg is not out
One of the most fascinating aspects about the game of cricket is its rules. There are numerous regulations and policies that govern the sport, providing extremely detailed guidelines for how it should be played. One such regulation that often sparks confusion among cricket enthusiasts, particularly those new to the game, pertains to ‘leg before wicket’ (LBW), specifically when a delivery pitches outside the leg stump and why such deliveries are not given out.
Understanding Leg Before Wicket
In basic terms, LBW or leg-before-wicket refers to a method of dismissing a batsman in cricket. This happens when a bowler bowls a ball which strikes the batsman’s body, ordinarily his pads or legs, rather than being struck by his bat first. However, this dismissal has certain stipulations governed by Law 36 of the Laws of Cricket by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Herein lies an important consideration: for an LBW decision to be considered valid, the ball must generally meet three conditions—Firstly, it should pitch in line with the stumps or on off side; secondly, it must impact the batter’s leg within the width of the stumps; finally, if unimpeded by the batsman’s leg, it must have been expected to hit the stumps.
The “Outside Leg” Rule
However, there’s an exception to these general rules which baffles many aficionados – If a bolwing delivery strikes a player’s pad outside the line of off-stump and would’ve gone on to hit the stumps thereafter but was not offered shot by batsmen, then an LBW can’t be ruled out. But similar proposition isn’t true if ball is pitched outside line of leg-stump. The question arises as why pitching outside-leg isn’t considered?
The rule itself reads like this “A batsman cannot be out LBW if the ball pitched outside the line of leg stump.” This rule seemingly contradicts all logical thinking because whether a ball pitches in line or outside shouldn’t really matter; if it’s going to hit the stumps and wasn’t played by batsman, that should be out, shouldn’t it?
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Legitimate Reasons Behind The Rule
There are actually quite sound reasons behind this ruling. Originating from an era when overarm bowling was taking over underarm bowling, bowlers used to try and aim for the legs rather than stumps due to pitching restrictions. Incorporation of this rule forced them to pitch the ball towards off-side which promoted attacking cricket.
Moreover, batting once generally involved more forward play and pads were not as protective. Hence allowing balls pitching outside leg to be given out LBW would have heavily favored bowlers.
Lastly, from perspective of maintaining balance between bat & bowl – MCC chooses to favor batsmen marginally where laws seem ambiguous.
Current Scenario And Debates
Presently, although there has been some debate about revising these rules—specifically with advancements in technology like HawkEye being capable of tracking and predicting a delivery’s precise path but tradition maintains firm. Given the subcontinent’s propensity for spin-heavy attacks that could exploit such a rule change might affect balance between bat and bowl adversely.
Maintaining Cricket’s Unique Appeal
Ultimately, this contentious ‘outsider leg’ rule is just one among many quirks in cricket rules that give game its unique appeal worldwide. Whether veteran or beginner, everyone finds something novel to comprehend within these guidelines ultimately affecting strategy around using your key assets sparingly i.e., best Batsman/Bowler at appropriate situations thereby giving essence to its name ‘Gentleman Game’, where patience pays dividend.
In conclusion, understanding intricate nuances defining ‘LBW’ especially when ball pitches outside leg not being out adds further depth to cricket as strategic sport. Irrespective of any debates, conversations around these peculiarities only enriches the charm for spectators and players alike. Now whenever an umpire doesn’t give a batsman out LBW despite seemingly perfect delivery from bowler you’ll understand why it’s so. However, all these intricacies are what make cricket such a globally loved sport!
