LBW is easier to understand when you follow the questions in order. A loud appeal is not evidence that the batter is out.
Work through the appeal
The umpire checks whether the delivery was fair, where the ball pitched, whether it touched the bat first, where it struck the batter and whether it would have hit the wicket. The striker’s attempt to play a shot matters when the impact is outside off stump. A ball pitching outside leg stump cannot produce an LBW dismissal.
What goes on the card
For example, a ball pitches in line, misses the bat and strikes the pad in front of middle stump. If it would have hit the wicket and the other conditions are satisfied, the striker may be out LBW on appeal. The scorer records LBW as a wicket credited to the bowler.
Where the ball pitches matters
This is a learning overview, not a substitute for every clause of Law 36. The Cricket Laws Centre has a step-by-step LBW tool, and competition playing conditions can provide review technology.
These examples explain the general MCC Laws. International matches and local competitions can use different playing conditions. For an official decision, check the full law and the rules for your match.
Check the official law
MCC reference: Law 36, 2017 Code, 4th Edition (2026). Read the official MCC Laws of Cricket.
Open the interactive Cricket Laws Centre →Cricstars independent learning resource · Source edition: MCC 2026 · Prepared 21 October 2026. Not an official MCC or ICC ruling.