One of the most common ways of a batsman getting out is Leg Before Wicket.  This is more true in the case of specialist batsman.  Most specialist batsman  who have got a perfect technique can get out only this way,  This is because usually technically sound batsman do not loft the ball in the air thereby eliminating their changes of getting caught by a fielder.  It is also difficult for any bowler however good he may be to get a technically correct batsman clean bowled.  Therefore most specialist batsmen who are technically correct fall leg before wicket, unless a lapse in concentration makes them play a casual stroke in the air and totally miss a straight delivery and get clean bowled.

Leg Before Wicket Rule:- There are many parameters for a batsman to be given out leg before wicket.  All parameters lead to a common point that is a batsman is out Leg Before Wicket if the batsman's leg is found coming in the way of ball hitting the wickets..  The umpire however is the sole judge to decide whether or not a batsman is out leg before.

Controversies:- While other modes of dismissals like caught by fielder, clean bowled, stumped, run outs, hit wickets or obstructing ball have never been under any sort of controversy, Leg Before Wicket decisions have been the most controversial.  This is due to the following reasons:-

1) Umpires perception.: Different umpires have got different ways of visualizing whether the ball is going to hit the wickets or not.

2) Split Second:- The umpire gets only a split second to make a decision.  It is possible that a umpire might have visualized in that fraction of a second that the ball is going to hit stumps.

3) Human Error:- To err is human and after all, umpires like all of us are human beings and  are bound to make mistakes.

4) Biased Umpiring:- Some umpires have biased.  Some particular batsmen or batsmen of some countries are targetted by umpires.

5) Pressure of Appealing:- Sometimes umpires get under pressure from aggressive appealing by bowlers and fielders.  Sometimes they cone under pressure form crowd as sell.

Impact of poor decisions:-

Poor decisions change the course of a game and probably ruin a batsman's career.  In this regard it is very important that the governing body of cricket take corrective action.

Suggested Corrective Action:-

1) A batsman can be given out Leg Before Wicket, if the batsman intentionally tries to play only with the pads to a ball which is on its way to hit the stumps.  Here the batsman's sole aim is to protect the ball hitting the stumps. This is to be treated as a negative approach from the batsman.

2) A batsman should not be given Leg Before Wicket, if he is playing a stroke with the intention of scoring runs, but fails to connect.  The point to be noted is that the intentions of the batsman are good, he is trying to score runs and that is a positive thing.

Regards

Satish

• Written by N R SATISH.
• In category Cricket.
• 15 years ago.

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