Ian Chappell Proposes A Radical Change In LBW Rule
Published - 10 May 2020, 08:37 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 08:14 AM
Veteran Australian cricketer-turned commentator Ian Chappell has proposed a radical change in the LBW rule. According to Chappell, any delivery that hits the pad of a batsman and if in the opinion of the umpire, it’s going on to hit the stumps, it should be deemed as out, irrespective of where the ball has pitched.
According to the existing rule, any delivery that is pitching outside the line of impact is not considered for an LBW dismissal even if it is going to hit the stumps.
“The new lbw law should simply say: ‘Any delivery that strikes the pad without first hitting the bat and, in the umpire’s opinion, would go on to hit the stumps is out regardless of whether or not a shot is attempted’,” Ian Chappell wrote in a column for ESPNCricinfo.
He added: “Forget where the ball pitches and whether it strikes the pad outside the line or not; if it’s going to hit the stumps, it’s out.”
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The rule will force batsmen to be more attacking: Ian Chappell
Chappell admitted that the proposed rule change will attract sharp resistance from the batsmen but according to him, it will lead to numerous positive changes in the game, the most pivotal being fairness.
“There will be screams of horror – particularly from pampered batsmen – but there are numerous positives this change would bring to the game. Most important is fairness,” he added.
Chappell reckoned if the law does get implemented, it would force the batsman to resort to attacking instincts, especially against wrist-spinners, getting the ball to turn from the rough outside the right-hander’s leg-stump.
“If a bowler is prepared to attack the stumps regularly, the batsman should only be able to protect his wicket with the bat. The pads are there to save the batsman from injury not dismissal. It would also force batsmen to seek an attacking method to combat a wrist-spinner pitching in the rough outside the right-hander’s leg stump,” said Chappell.
The legendary Australian cricketer also went on to cite Sachin Tendulkar’s example on how negotiated Shane Warne on a raging turner in Chennai in 1998. During that match, Tendulkar consistently charged Warne, who was turning the ball sharply into him by pitching it in the rough.
“Contrast Sachin Tendulkar’s aggressive and successful approach to Shane Warne coming round the wicket in Chennai in 1997-98 with a batsman who kicks away deliveries pitching in the rough and turning in toward the stumps. Which would you rather watch? ,” he quipped.
He added: “The current law encourages “pad play” to balls pitching outside leg while this change would force them to use their bat. The change would reward bowlers who attack the stumps and decrease the need for negative wide deliveries to a packed off-side field,”
He also reckoned that the proposed rule change will also lead to a reduction in frivolous DRS referrals.
“This change to the lbw law would also simplify umpiring and result in fewer frivolous DRS challenges. Consequently, it would speed up a game that has slowed drastically in recent times,” Chappell said.
Ian Chappell also wrote about the recent debate about ICC legalizing the use of artificial substances on the ball. The 76-year-old is of the opinion that captains should agree on one way of working up the ball that would aid in making it swing, even it comes at the cost of legalizing ball-tampering.
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