Plumb (Plumb LBW)
Also known as: plumb lbw, plumb in front, what does plumb mean in cricket, stone dead lbw, absolutely plumb
Plumb LBW means an LBW so clear that nobody can argue with it. The ball pitched in line, hit the batter in line with the stumps and was going on to hit them. Batters given out plumb usually walk off, because a review would almost never save them.
Law 36 sets out the conditions for LBW. The ball must not be a no-ball. It must not pitch outside leg stump. It must hit the batter in line, unless no shot was offered. And it must have been going on to hit the wicket.
A plumb decision meets every one of these by a big margin. A typical example is a full ball that hits the front pad right in front of middle stump. On DRS, the ball-tracking shows it hitting the stumps squarely.
The word has a second, older meaning. A plumb pitch is one that gives true, even bounce.
Tips by skill level
If you are hit on the pad right in front of middle stump, accept it. Work on getting your bat down in time instead.
Check whether your trigger takes you across your stumps. Many plumb LBWs come from moving too far to the off side.
Example
A yorker hits the batter on the toe right in front of middle stump. The commentator says, 'That's plumb,' and the umpire raises his finger at once.
Why it matters
Knowing what plumb looks like helps you decide whether to review. It also shows which balls you must cover with your bat.
Common mistakes
- Reviewing a plumb decision and wasting a review
- Planting the front pad across the line instead of playing with the bat
- Thinking a ball pitching outside leg can be plumb
- Falling over to the off side so you are trapped in front
Frequently asked questions
What does plumb LBW mean?
It means a completely clear LBW: pitched in line, hit in line and going on to hit the stumps.
Should I review a plumb LBW?
Usually not. A plumb decision almost never changes on review, so you would likely lose the review.
Sources
Related terms
- LBW (Leg Before Wicket)LBW is a mode of dismissal. Under specific conditions, the umpire can rule the batter leg before wicket. That applies if the ball would have hit the stumps but the batter's pad intercepts it first.
- DRS (Decision Review System)DRS lets players ask the third umpire to review an on-field decision on whether a batter is out. Only the batter given out can review an out, and only the fielding captain can review a not out. The request is a 'T' sign within 15 seconds. DRS comes from ICC playing conditions, not the Laws of Cricket.
- YorkerA yorker is a delivery bowled to pitch right at the batter's feet, under the swinging bat. It is one of the hardest balls to score off and a key death-overs weapon.
- Back-and-Across Trigger MovementA back-and-across trigger is a small step of the back foot backwards and towards off stump just before the bowler releases the ball. The front foot follows a short way. It lines your head up with off stump and helps you judge what to leave against pace. Finish it before release and keep the step small.
- Straight BatPlaying with a straight bat means swinging the bat vertically, in line with the ball's path. It is the safest, most orthodox way to defend and drive full or good-length balls.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.