Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

leg-before-wicket

noun

/lɛɡ bɪˈfɔːr ˈwɪkɪt/

Definition

A mode of dismissal in cricket when the batsman is out because the ball hits their leg or body in line with the stumps, preventing it from hitting the wickets.

Examples

In cricket, the bowler appealed for leg-before-wicket after the ball struck the batsman’s pad.
He was given out leg-before-wicket despite claiming the ball was going to miss the stumps.

Meaning

This term refers to a situation where a batsman is declared out because they block a ball that would have gone on to hit the stumps, with their leg or body instead of hitting the bat.