Australia batter Phoebe Litchfield survived a contentious lbw decision during their Women’s T20 World Cup match against India yesterday (October 14). Here’s what the laws have to say concerning the decision.
During the 17th over of Australia’s innings, Litchfield tried to play a reverse sweep off Deepti Sharma’s bowling. She was rapped on her pads, and umpire Sue Redfern adjudged her lbw. The left-handed batter decided to review the decision. Upon going upstairs, the TV umpire stated the ball had pitched outside Litchfield’s leg stump despite her change of stance, deeming her not out.
The call drew the ire of several India players, especially Smriti Mandhana and Deepti, both of whom suggested that the line of the ball in this decision should be inconsequential since Litchfield had switched stances.
Litchfield scored a nine-ball 15 not out, including a last ball six to take Australia to 151-8. Her cameo proved gold dust in the end as India fell short by nine runs, suffering a heavy blow to their semi-final chances.
What do the laws say?
According to MCC Law 36.1.2, the batter is declared LBW only if, "the ball, if it is not intercepted full-pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off-side of the striker’s wicket".
Law 36.3 also adds: "The off side of the striker’s wicket shall be determined by the striker’s batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery."
MCC : 36.3 Off side of wicket law saved Phoebe Litchfield
— Pushkar Pushp (@ppushp7) October 13, 2024
The off side of the striker’s wicket shall be determined by the striker’s batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.#INDvAUS #T20WorldCup @MCCOfficial pic.twitter.com/rLFYN0TqUd
Law 20.5 clarifies when the ball is considered to be in play. It says, "The ball ceases to be dead – that is, it comes into play – when the bowler starts his/her run-up or, if there is no run-up, starts his/her bowling action."
When Deepti was in her run-up, Litchfield was still batting as a left-hander, which meant the umpire considering the line of the ball to be pitching outside the batter’s leg stump was well within the rules, and her switching of stance didn't make a difference.
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