IND-W vs AUS-W: Why was Phoebe Litchfield LBW overturned in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?

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Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield found herself at the centre of controversy during the Women's T20 World Cup match of IND-W vs AUS-W after a reverse sweep led to a controversial LBW decision.

Facing Indian spinner Deepti Sharma in the 17th over, Litchfield attempted a reverse sweep and was given out leg-before-wicket (LBW) after missing the shot. However, the Austrians decided to review the call, which led to the third umpire overturning the on-field decision, ruling that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump.

As a result, Litchfield, who was almost halfway to the dressing room by that point, was called back to the ground. After coming back to the pitch, Litchfield remained unbeaten on 15 off nine deliveries, played a key role in pushing Australia to a competitive total of 151 for eight. The batter even smashed a six off Shreyanka Patil to give Australia a strong finish.

The contentious decision to recall Litchfield resulted in a minor argument between the Indian players and the on-field officials.

India's vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, along with other players, protested the decision, arguing that since Litchfield had changed her stance, the leg-stump rule should be treated as though she were a right-hander. However, under current rules, the switch hit does not affect how the sides are defined in an LBW decision.

Phoebe Litchfrield LBW: What does ICC rulebook say about this?

According to Law 36.1.2 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who are the rule setters for cricket, a batter can only be declared out LBW if the ball pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off-side of the striker's wicket.

In this case, the third umpire ruled that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump, and thus Litchfield was reprieved.

The law also clarifies that the definitions of the off-side and leg-side remain unchanged, even if the batter switches stances, as Litchfield did while attempting the reverse sweep. "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," the rulebook clarifies.

However, despite the official rules defending the DRS decision, many people have called into question the validity of the law itself, alleging that it gives unfair advantage to the batters.

The sentiment was precisely echoed by Indian all-rounder Shikha Pandey, who tweeted, "Batter's game."