Taking Guard
Also known as: take guard, batting guard, middle stump guard, leg stump guard, middle and leg guard, asking for guard
Taking guard means lining up your bat with a chosen stump before you face. It tells you where your stumps are. Hold the bat upright on the crease and ask the umpire at the bowler's end for leg stump, middle and leg, or middle. Then mark the spot. Many batters start on middle or middle and leg.
Before facing, the batter stands at the crease and holds the bat upright, facing the bowler's end. The umpire at the bowler's end tells the batter to move the bat until it lines up with the stump they asked for. The common guards are leg stump, also called one leg, middle and leg, also called two, and middle, also called centre. Some batters take off stump or stand outside the crease. The batter then scratches a mark on the crease to find the same position before each ball. The Laws do not require a guard. It is a custom of the game.
Guard gives the batter a fixed reference for where the stumps are. That makes it easier to judge which balls to leave outside off stump and which ones threaten the stumps. It also shapes LBW risk. A batter whose trigger takes them across to the off side may take leg-stump guard. That helps them finish in front of middle stump rather than too far across.
There is no correct guard for everyone. Many coaches suggest starting on middle or middle and leg, then adjusting. If you keep falling across your front pad and getting out LBW, a guard nearer leg stump may help. If you keep nicking balls you could leave, some batters find a guard nearer off stump makes off stump easier to judge. Many batters ask for guard again if the bowler switches between over and around the wicket. Whatever you choose, take it the same way each time.
Tips by skill level
Start with a middle-stump or middle-and-leg guard. Ask the umpire clearly, for example 'middle and leg, please', and mark it with a short line on the crease.
Match your guard to your trigger. If you move back and across, a leg-stump guard can leave you in front of middle at release. Review your dismissals to see whether it is working.
Example
At the start of her innings, the batter holds her bat upright and asks the umpire for 'two'. The umpire signals her to move the bat slightly. When it lines up with middle and leg, she scratches a mark on the crease.
Why it matters
A repeatable guard gives you a fixed reference for your stumps. That helps every leave, every defensive shot and every judgement about LBW.
Common mistakes
- Not taking guard at all and losing track of off stump
- Taking a guard that does not suit your trigger movement, so you end up too far across
- Changing guard often without a reason
- Not asking for guard again when the bowler changes from over to around the wicket
Frequently asked questions
What guard should I take in cricket?
There is no single right guard. Many batters start on middle or middle and leg, then adjust. If you move across to the off side as the bowler delivers, a leg-stump guard can stop you ending up too far across.
How do you take guard in cricket?
Stand at the crease and hold the bat upright, facing the bowler's end. Ask the umpire at the bowler's end for the guard you want. Move the bat until the umpire says it is lined up, then scratch a mark on the crease.
What does one leg or two mean when taking guard?
They are names for common guards. 'One leg' is leg stump, 'two' is middle and leg, and 'centre' is middle stump.
Sources
Related terms
- Cricket Batting StanceA good cricket batting stance is balanced and still, with your feet about shoulder-width apart, usually either side of the popping crease. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Hold your head still, with your eyes level and looking down the pitch. Side-on, open and raised-bat stances all work if you are balanced at release.
- CreaseThe crease is any of the white painted lines on the cricket pitch. These lines define legal bowling positions, the safe zone for batters, and the starting point for LBW and run-out adjudications.
- 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.
- JudgmentJudgment in cricket batting is the ability to quickly decide which deliveries to play and which to leave, choosing the right shot for each ball bowled.
- StumpsStumps are the three upright wooden posts — off stump, middle stump, and leg stump — that form each wicket in cricket, topped by two small bails that fall if the ball strikes them.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.