Umpiring Controversies

Jack Leach Survives LBW Appeal — Headingley 2019

22-25 August 2019England vs Australia3rd Ashes Test, Headingley1 min readSeverity: Serious

Summary

During Ben Stokes' miraculous Headingley chase, Jack Leach survived an LBW appeal that was given 'umpire's call' on review, allowing the legendary partnership to continue.

What Happened

The 2019 Headingley Test produced one of cricket's greatest ever innings — Ben Stokes' unbeaten 135 to chase down 359 in the fourth innings. But the innings nearly ended prematurely when last man Jack Leach survived an LBW appeal.

With England still needing runs, Nathan Lyon appealed for LBW against Leach. The on-field umpire gave not out. Australia reviewed, and ball tracking showed the ball was hitting the stumps — but with less than 50% of the ball, making it "umpire's call." The original not-out decision stood.

Had the on-field umpire given it out, the same ball tracking would have upheld the decision, meaning Australia were disadvantaged by the binary nature of umpire's call. This added fuel to the ongoing debate about the umpire's call protocol.

Leach survived and memorably scored 1 not out from 17 balls while Stokes smashed the Australian bowling to all parts. The 76-run last-wicket partnership is etched in cricket folklore. But the umpire's call decision on Leach was a sliding-door moment that the entire outcome hinged upon.

⚖️ The Verdict

Umpire's call — not out stood. One of the most consequential umpire's call decisions in cricket history. Stokes went on to win the match.

Tags

#ashes#headingley#ben stokes#jack leach#lbw#umpires call

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