What is Umpire’s Call in Cricket? Understanding LBW Rules and the Decision Review System (DRS)

Get the Details about “Umpire’s Call” in cricket and understand LBW (Leg Before Wicket) rules and the Decision Review System (DRS)

Cricket’s Decision Review System (DRS) can confuse fans, who often have questions about its rules. People want to know how LBW works, what’s the deal with pitches inside and outside, and what exactly an umpire’s call means.

During a match, some decisions are tricky for on-field umpires. That’s where the DRS comes in, making sure the game stays fair and accurate.

In the Decision Review System, on-field umpires can chat with the third umpire for an Umpire Review or a Player Review. If a player disagrees with the umpire’s decision, whether it’s ‘out’ or ‘not out,’ they can ask for a review. This helps keep the game unbiased and precise.

The Decision Review System (DRS) is mostly used for tight situations in cricket, like LBW or outside edges. The captain of the bowling team and players on the batting team can ask for a review. The DRS helps umpires check if the ball pitched right, if it hit the pads or bat, and if it hit the stumps.

If all the conditions are met, the batsman is “out”; if not, they’re “not out.” If the DRS shows the umpire was wrong, the decision changes. But if the umpire’s mistake is small or the review is unclear, it’s called an “umpire’s call,” and the on-field umpire’s decision stays for LBW reviews.

This explanation covers the DRS, LBW rules, umpire’s call, and why it can be controversial.

What is Umpire’s Call?

In cricket, “umpire’s call” means giving the on-field umpire the benefit of the doubt for close LBW (Leg-Before-Wicket) decisions. LBW occurs when the ball hits the batsman’s leg and is heading towards the stumps.

This rule prevents unfair tactics, like using the leg to block the ball. Umpires mainly consider where the ball is pitched, where it hits the batsman, and its trajectory.

Mistakes can happen, and players might not like the on-field umpire’s decision. Even after a review, the third umpire may stick with the original call, resulting in “Umpire’s Call.” This highlights the subjective and tricky nature of cricket decisions, where umpires play a significant role in close calls.

Why is Umpire’s Call controversial?

Cricket is buzzing with talk about the umpire’s call, and some players want it banned. The Decision Review System (DRS) got the umpire’s call in 2016, and big names like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Shane Warne want it gone.

Players are upset because the umpire’s call is confusing for everyone, players, and fans alike. It messes up simple decisions and leads to mistakes.

For instance, if Hawk-Eye predicts less than 50% of the ball hits the stumps, it’s not out. But players say any part of the ball hitting the stumps should be enough for an out. This 50% rule applies to pitching and where the ball hits too.

Even though the International Cricket Council (ICC) tried changing DRS rules, players still don’t like the umpire’s call, and it causes arguments.

Some say the umpire’s call allows for human error, so why use it? They suggest going back to the old ways without DRS. They think the umpire’s call stops us from being completely accurate.

But others argue that even with technology like Hawk-eye and ultra edge, there can still be mistakes. These tools don’t consider spin or swing, so human errors through the umpire’s call make sense.

For more information, check out the official ICC World Cup 2023 website: Link