Running and Calling

 

Basic Batting Drill 6 – Running and Calling

There are lots of run outs in all forms of cricket – read on to learn how to avoid this type of dismissal

Some run outs are down to the sheer brilliance of the fielder – a brilliant pick up and throw scoring a direct hit on the stumps leaves you stranded out of your ground.  Many more however are the result of misunderstandings or bad calls between batsmen.

Whose Call Is It Anyway?

A very good question!  If the ball is hit and goes in front of the batsman with strike, it is his call to decide whether or not to go for the run.  If the ball is played behind the batsman or goes for byes/leg byes then the non striking batsman makes the call.

Making The Call

There are two golden rules:

  1. Make it loud
  2. Keep it simple

Twenty-two yards is a long way to hear from so when you call be LOUD, CLEAR and DECISIVE.

There are three basic calls:

  • YES
  • NO
  • WAIT

Yes means precisely that – start running and, as you run, make a judgement about the second or third run and then call again.

No means No.  If you call NO and your partner starts to run – do not commit to the run if it is safer to send him back to his own end.  He must bear responsibility for his own misjudgement.  If he calls No and you run, do not be surprised if he sends you back to your end and you end up run out. (see below for what to do about disputed calls and running your partner out).

Wait needs to be followed by a YES or a NO, you may be waiting to see if the fielder collects the ball cleanly and, if not, you may be able to take a run.

Yes and No

What happens when you call yes and your partner shouts no?  There is a saying in cricket:

“If in doubt – you’ll get run out”

 

If you don’t agree on the call, then don’t run.  Before the next ball or at the end of the over, have a quick chat in the middle about why you disagreed and try to make sure you agree on which runs are safe to take and who will call them.

Assessing Risk

If the ball goes behind the stumps (to Fine Leg for example), the primary risk of a run out is at the striker’s end, so the non striker should call – he is the person at greatest risk of getting out (because he is running to that end) and so the batsmen on strike should run without question.  Similarly if the ball is hit to Mid Off or Mid On the the striking batsmen calls and the non striker should run as called.

A ball hit square of the wicket presents risks for both batsmen so more caution is required in calling runs in these areas.

Backing Up

This is different from backing up when fielding.  As the bowler reaches the popping crease the non-striking batsman should begin to advance down the pitch in readiness to run and continue until either the ball is struck or a call is made.  DO NOT start backing up too early as the bowler can remove the bails at the non-striker’s end and you will be given run out (although a bowler will usually warn you first).

The Cardinal Sin

The cardinal sin is not watching the ball in the field as you run.  We call this ‘running blind’.  Not only might you lose your wicket, you could get hit by the incoming throw so ALWAYS WATCH THE BALL and avoid RUNNING BLIND at all costs.

Running Out Your Partner

If you call NO and your partner runs anyway towards you, your instinct is always to try and set off and make ground at the other end.  However if you stay in your crease it will be your batting partner who is run out and not you.  However if you do this there will be consequences so there are a  number of things to consider:

  • Was it a reasonable call (i.e. were you concentrating and backing up or looking for the run)?
  • Did the other batsman clearly disregard your call not to run (i.e. they were obviously at fault)?
  • What will be the impact on the team of either of you being run out (you might want to sacrifice your wicket for a stronger batsman or stay in your ground if the other batsman is weaker than you)?

Ultimately no one likes to deliberately run out their partner who has made an error of judgement and gone for a run with genuine intent; but the ability of the players at the crease and the state of the game are sometimes important factors to consider.  If you do stand your ground you will have to justify your actions in the dressing room afterwards so:

  • Never run someone out through spite
  • Don’t run someone out as revenge (for disregarding your call or for some other reason)
  • Don’t sacrifice your wicket for a weaker batsman if you were in the right not to run
  • Don’t run someone out for selfish reasons (e.g. your own averages or to get more strike)

Always put the needs of the team above those of your own.

Self Admiration (Boundaries)

When you crack a shot that looks like it might go for four – don’t stand there admiring it – start running!!  It might not go for four or the fielder might stop it so make sure you run until you know the umpire has signalled or that the ball has touched the rope.

Is It Dead Yet?

Learn the lesson from Ian Bell’s near run out in the 2011 Test series against India at Trent Bridge.  Bell thought (wrongly) that the ball had gone over the rope for a boundary from the last ball of the last over before tea.  He had walked out of his crease towards the pavilion and when the fielder returned the ball to the wicket keeper, he removed the bails and Bell was given out.  The Indians later retracted their appeal and Bell was re-instated in a shining example of the sportmanship for which cricket is renowned; but it was his error so always make sure you know what has been signalled and if in doubt – stay in your crease.

Extras

You get two extra runs in junior cricket for a wide or no ball but you can still run them even if you don’t hit the ball.  Wides will often beat the keeper as well as you so byes can be scored while the ball is returned.  Similarly, be on the lookout for overthrows.

Know Your Fielders

Watch the fielders – you will quickly learn who the long accurate throwers are, who can do a great running pickup and whose arm you might be able to take a chance with.  It is also important for incoming batsmen waiting their turn to bat to watch and assess strengths and weaknesses in the field.