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Tag: LBW

  • Technology vs. Umpire’s Eye: Decoding LBW Challenges in Modern Cricket

    Technology vs. Umpire’s Eye: Decoding LBW Challenges in Modern Cricket

    The cricket match between South Africa and Pakistan in this year’s Cricket World Cup left a lasting impression on the audience. The game was intense, but what stood out the most was the controversy surrounding the umpire’s call. Samsi, a South African batsman, faced a close call when Rauf’s delivery hit his pad. However, the umpire’s decision favored South Africa, and they survived a potential dismissal.

    umpire's call

    Many, including former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh, believe that Pakistan lost the match due to poor umpiring. Another Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir, expressed that logically, it should have been ruled out. Umpire’s calls have been a subject of criticism even before the World Cup, and the Decision Review System (DRS) has undergone several revisions since its introduction in 2008.

    In 2021, changes were made to consider the outer part of the stumps for lbw decisions. However, for the ball to be considered out, more than 50 percent of it must be within the wicket zone. If the umpire’s decision is out, the batsman must accept it, and if it’s not out, the decision remains unchanged.

    During the South Africa vs. Pakistan match, when Samsi was at the wicket, Rauf’s delivery hit less than fifty percent of the stumps. Consequently, the umpire ruled not out, and Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s attempt to challenge the decision through review was unsuccessful.

    This decision sparked disappointment among Pakistan fans worldwide, raising questions about the effectiveness of modern cameras and why they can’t ensure 100% accuracy. Some argue that if technology is advanced enough, the umpire’s role may become obsolete.

    LBW decisions involve considerations like ball spin, swing, and wind, making it challenging for technology to provide consistent results. The trajectory of the ball varies, and what the umpire observes with the naked eye is often deemed more reliable. The controversy in this match reignited discussions about the balance between technology and the umpire’s judgment in cricket.

  • LBW Dilemma: Umpire’s Call and Changing Rules in Cricket

    LBW Dilemma: Umpire’s Call and Changing Rules in Cricket

    The LBW (Leg Before Wicket) rule in cricket has been a topic of debate and confusion for many years. In this article, we will explore the history of LBW in cricket and the controversies that have surrounded it.

    LBW

    The LBW rule was first introduced in 1774 to address a problem in the game. Before this rule, players could block the stumps with their legs or pads, making the game less exciting. However, the LBW rule that exists today was quite different from its early version.

    In the early days of cricket, a batsman could be given out if they blocked the ball with their pad. But this rule evolved over time, leading to controversies about the placement of the ball outside the off-stump.

    One significant change occurred in 1980 when it was decided that LBW could be given even if the ball pitched outside the off-stump. However, this change raised further debates and discussions.

    To be given out LBW, several conditions must be met. First, there should be no no-ball. The ball must pitch on or in line with the stumps. The ball cannot touch the bat before hitting the batsman’s body, and it should be going on to hit the stumps.

    One common scenario where LBW is not usually awarded is when the ball hits the batsman outside the line of the off-stump. This is because the ball is considered to come from the leg side. However, there has been ongoing debate about whether a batsman should be given LBW if they change their position.

    The LBW system has faced criticism and controversy over the years. In a match between India and England, Ravindra Chandra Ashwin expressed frustration over Joe Root’s dismissal due to LBW. Another contentious issue related to LBW is the “umpire’s call.”

    In the umpire’s call system, the decision made by the on-field umpire takes precedence. If the umpire gives a decision of out, it remains out, and if the umpire gives a decision of not out, it stands. This system has been a subject of debate, with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar questioning its fairness.

    Even in 2021, there were changes made to the LBW rules in cricket. The LBW rule has been a controversial aspect of the game for many years, with its laws being altered multiple times. Despite these changes, debates and criticisms surrounding LBW continue to persist.