Phoebe Litchfield survived a rather interesting LBW call after initially being adjudged out by the on-field umpire during India's Women's T20 World Cup match against Australia on Sunday. Taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the incident in question occurred when Litchfield, on a switch hit attempt, was adjudged LBW by Sue Redfern. With Deepti Sharma bowling in the 17th over, the decision was made, but Litchfield chose to review the call.

What stood out was not just the DRS appeal, but the conversation it triggered. India's Smriti Mandhana, who walked towards the umpire, seemingly argued that once Litchfield switched her stance, the leg-stump rule should apply as if she were a right-handed batter.

While the third umpire ultimately upheld decided to overturn the original LBW call, stating that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump in relation to Litchfield's position as a left-hander, it didn’t come without discontent. Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma were visibly frustrated, expressing their belief that the switch hit should have changed the calculation.

According to law 36.3, ‘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’.

However, the fans on X were disappointed with the ruling, calling for potential change to the law to accommodate for the batter's shift in position.

Here are some of the reactions:

Not a 100% sure if the umpires messed up big time on that LBW review, but IF the umpires were right, then the rules REALLY need to be changed...

U dont get a leg side wide when u reverse sweep/switch hit, u shudnt get LBW benefit either...#INDvAUS

— Kapil Choudhary (@kapil857) October 13, 2024

Does it count as pitching outside leg for LBW if batsman changes to reverse? Surely not?#INDvsAUS

— Ash (@ashish_za) October 13, 2024

We need to change the rules of lbw if batter is switching the stance

— Paresh Patil (@parepatil) October 13, 2024

Given out LBW. Phoebe Litchfield takes the review. No bat or glove. Pitching outside the leg stump and Phoebe Litchfield survives. Smriti tells umpire Sue Redfern that Phoebe Litchfield was turning around as a right hander.#INDvsAUS #INDvBAN #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/eGbvEZNC4j

— A & K (@badjocker1020) October 13, 2024

A quickfire cameo

Though Litchfield had already begun walking back to the pavilion, she resumed her innings and went on to score a quickfire 15 from 9 balls, which included a six off Shreyanka Patil over mid-wicket. Australia posted 151/8, with Grace Harris top-scoring with a 40-run knock, while Tahlia McGrath and Ellyse Perry contributed 32 each. Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma were the standout bowlers for India, picking up two wickets apiece.

Litchfield’s cameo added a boost to Australia's total, marking her third appearance in the tournament, having already made contributions against Sri Lanka and New Zealand earlier.

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