Runner (cricket)

Runner (cricket)

In cricket, a runner is a team member who runs between the wickets for an injured batsman.

When a runner is used, the batsman stands in position and plays shots as normal, but does not attempt to run between the wickets: the runner runs for him. The runner occupies the injured batsman's crease when he is on strike, but takes up a position away from the pitch at the umpire's discretion, typically on a pitch parallel to that being used for the game.

When the injured batsman moves off strike, he then takes up the position near the square leg umpire (not at the bowler's end), and the runner stands next to the bowler's wicket as in the normal course of play.

• A runner can only be used if the batsman becomes injured or ill during the match.
• His use must meet the approval of the umpires.
• The runner must be a member of the batting side, but not the twelfth man.
• He must also already have batted in the innings, if possible.
• The runner must wear all the external protective equipment worn by the batsman and must carry a bat.

If either the injured batsman or his runner is out of his ground, the batsman is liable to be run out or stumped. The runner is also subject to other laws such as obstructing the field and handling the ball.

In June 2011, the International Cricket Council announced that, from October 1 2011, runners would no longer be used in international cricket.