India vs Australia: Controversy Strikes After India's LBW Appeal On Switch Hit Denied During Women's T20 World Cup

The India-Australia women's T20 World Cup match was marred by controversy after a contentious decision involving a switch-hit by Australian batter Phoebe Litchfield.The incident occurred during the 17th over when Deepti Sharma bowled one to a left-hander who turned quickly to aim for the reverse hit or the switch hit but completely missed the ball. As a result, Phoebe was given out LBW, but she quickly went for the review, following which the decision was overturned. Since the ball pitched outside the leg stump for a left-hander, it was given not out for LBW straightaway.India was visibly unhappy and tried to reason that Litchfield had switched hands, and hence, she should be considered a right-hander. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana even tried to talk to umpire Sue Redfern, following which the third umpire had another look but then gave it not out.What Does The Law Say?Law 36.1.2 of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) states - " 36.1.2 the ball, if it is not intercepted full-pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the striker’s wicket ". It is also important to remember that the definition of the off and on sides cannot change even if the batter changes his/her stance while attempting a reverse sweep or a switch hit.The decision sparked a heated discussion on social media, with many fans and experts expressing their opinions on the matter.

This switch hit, ball pitching outside rule is an absolute JOKE. Batter changes orientation, rules change - Simple !!! #IndvAus @T20WorldCup

— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) October 13, 2024

MCC : 36.3 Off side of wicket law saved Phoebe Litchfield

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.#INDvAUS #T20WorldCup @MCCOfficial pic.twitter.com/rLFYN0TqUd

— Pushkar Pushp (@ppushp7) October 13, 2024

When the left handed batter changes the stance to play the reverse sweep/switch hit and gets hit on the pads, laws should consider the batter as right handed batter. Guess Litchfield should've been lbw v Deepti. Your thoughts?

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) October 13, 2024

Meanwhile, Renuka Singh Thakur (2/24) and Deepti Sharma (2/28) played pivotal roles but Australia posted a tricky 152-run target against India in their must-win Group A match. While Renuka struck twice early on to give India an upper hand, Deepti grabbed the crucial wickets of Grace Harris (40) and Ellyse Perry (32) in later stages.However, contributions from makeshift opener Harris, stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath (32), veteran Perry and Phoebe Litchfield's late nine-ball 15 not out helped Australia put forth a tough target for India.