Explained: Why Phoebe Litchfield was adjudged not-out in clash vs India Women

In a peculiarly eccentric incident which caught the eye of one and all, Phoebe Litchfield was adjudged not-out despite getting trapped on the pad while switching her grip during the 17th over the game against Deepti Sharma. With the first delivery of the over being stroked away for a boundary, Deepti opted to toss it up from over the wicket with an intent to turn the ball away from the batter. The delivery did exactly that, as Litchfield's reverse-sweep attempt failed miserably with the ball thudding on to her pads. 

With the umpire's finger going up, Litchfield opted to review it. In what should otherwise have been a straightforward decision for the third-umpire by considering the leg-side as the off-side due to Litchfield attempting the reverse-sweep, it wasn't to be. Instead, the Hawk-Eye illustrated the ball to be pitching outside leg-stump, which automatically reversed the on-field decision to not-out.

Vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, had a word with the on-field umpire, most likely arguing that Litchfield had switched her hands, and that she should be considered as a right-handed batter. Interestingly, Litchfield was already on her way back to the pavilion before walking back to the middle.

Also Read: Twitter Reactions: England Women gallop to third win on the trot with 10-wicket domination against Scotland Women

Here’s what the MCC law states when it comes to calls pertaining LBWs 

According to Law 36.1.2 of the Marylebone Cricket Club, the batter is declared leg-before-wicket 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". 

"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," as per Law 36.3 of the MCC which defines the off-side for the striker in relation to when LBWs come into the picture.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Heather Graham replaces injured Tayla Vlaeminck in Australia squad

Since Litchfield had not premeditated her shot before the release of the ball from Deepti's hand, she was given a reprieve and allowed to continue batting.