Leg Byes in Cricket:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Runs scored off the batsman’s body or clothing, |
| other than the bat, after a ball has hit them | |
| Scoring | Credited as extras to the batting team |
| Umpire Signal | The umpire raises one leg to signal leg byes |
| Runs Awarded | The number of runs the batsmen have run, |
| plus any additional runs due to overthrows | |
| Leg Bye Runs Limit | No limit to the number of leg byes scored |
| Fielding Team | Not attributed as an individual bowler’s |
| conceded runs but considered as team extras | |
| Leg Bye Wides | If the ball is wide down the leg side and the |
| batsmen attempt a run, it’s counted as leg byes |
Explanation:
In cricket, “Leg Byes” refer to the runs scored by the batting team when the ball hits the batsman’s body or clothing (excluding the bat) and runs are taken by the batsmen. Leg byes are awarded when the ball, instead of hitting the bat, makes contact with the batsman and then runs are scored by the batsmen while the ball is still in play. These runs are considered extras and are added to the batting team’s total.
The umpire signals leg byes by raising one leg, making it easier for players, spectators, and scorers to identify the type of runs scored. The number of leg bye runs is determined by the runs the batsmen have completed, along with any additional runs scored due to overthrows by the fielding team.
There is no limit to the number of leg byes a team can score during an innings. However, they are not attributed as an individual bowler’s conceded runs but are considered team extras. Leg byes are often scored when the batsman fails to make contact with the ball and hits their pads or body, and runs are taken before the fielding team can retrieve the ball.
It’s important to note that if the ball is bowled wide down the leg side, and the batsmen attempt to take runs, those runs are also counted as leg byes. However, if the umpire deems the ball to be too wide for the batsman to play a shot, it is signaled as a wide, and the batting team is awarded an additional run, without the need for the batsmen to run.
Leg byes are a common occurrence in cricket and can significantly impact the final score of a match. They provide an opportunity for the batting team to add runs to their total even if the batsman is unable to make a clean connection with the ball.