Sun Oct 13 19:02:12 UTC 2024: ## Bizarre Decision: Phoebe Litchfield Given Not Out Despite Leg Before Wicket Appeal
In a peculiar incident during the Women’s T20 World Cup, Phoebe Litchfield was controversially given not out despite being trapped on the pad while attempting a reverse sweep. This decision, which defied the usual LBW rulings, has left cricket fans baffled.
During the 17th over of the match against Deepti Sharma, Litchfield went for a reverse sweep but missed the ball completely, resulting in it hitting her pad. The umpire on the field immediately raised his finger, signaling Litchfield out. However, Litchfield opted for a review.
Despite the ball clearly pitching on her pad, the Hawk-Eye technology surprisingly showed it pitching outside leg stump. This led to the umpire’s decision being overturned, giving Litchfield a reprieve.
Adding to the confusion, Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, questioned the decision, arguing that Litchfield had switched her grip and should be considered a right-handed batter.
The incident has sparked debate about the application of the LBW rule, particularly in cases where a batter changes their stance mid-delivery.
According to Law 36.1.2 of the Marylebone Cricket Club, LBW is only applicable if the ball pitches in line with the wickets or on the off-side of the striker’s wicket. The off-side is determined by the batter’s stance at the moment the ball is released.
As Litchfield had not premeditated her reverse sweep before the ball was bowled, she was ultimately declared not out. This decision, however, has left many questioning the fairness of the application of the LBW rule in this specific scenario.
First Piper 