Running Between the Wickets: Communication, Calling, and Partnership
Running between the wickets — converting ones into twos, calling correctly, and avoiding run-outs — is one of cricket's most underappreciated skills. This guide covers how batting partnerships communicate, the calling conventions, why run-outs happen, and what makes great running partners.
Running between the wickets converts good batting into runs. A batsman who hits the ball and calls confidently, runs hard for two where one seemed available, and rotates the strike efficiently can score 20-30% more than one who is slow and hesitant between wickets. Conversely, poor running — miscommunication, hesitation, or misjudgment of a throw — produces run-outs, cricket's most avoidable dismissals.
Calling Conventions
Cricket's running calls are: 'Yes' (run), 'No' (don't run), and 'Wait' (pause and reassess). The convention is that the striker (the batsman facing the ball) calls for balls hit in front of the wicket (where they can see the fielder's position), and the non-striker calls for balls hit behind or square on the leg side (where the non-striker can see the fielder better). A decisive call — loud and clear — prevents the hesitation that causes most run-outs. When both batsmen call conflicting decisions, they must react to each other's position: the one already past the crease's midpoint should continue; the one behind midpoint should return.
Rotating the Strike
Strike rotation — taking singles to keep both batsmen scoring and prevent the bowling team from bowling 6 balls continuously at the weaker batsman — is a tactical priority. When a specialist batsman is partnered with a tail-ender, they often 'farm the strike' — taking a single off the last ball of each over to face the next over. Against particular bowlers (a spinner who is troubling one batsman, a pace bowler targeting a specific weakness), strike rotation becomes a tactical weapon to minimise exposure.
Backing Up
The non-striker 'backs up' by walking down the pitch as the bowler delivers — moving toward the other end so a quick single can be taken. Excessive backing up (leaving the crease before the ball is bowled) risks the 'Mankad' dismissal — where the bowler runs out the non-striker before delivering. ICC rules clarified in 2022 that this is a legitimate dismissal (not 'unsportsmanlike'); teams and umpires now treat it as a normal run-out. Backing up aggressively but legally remains important for effective running.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'backing up' mean in cricket?
Backing up means the non-striker walks down the pitch as the bowler delivers — being positioned closer to the other end so they can run quickly if the batsman hits the ball. Backing up too eagerly (leaving the crease before the ball is bowled) risks a 'Mankad' run-out, where the bowler runs out the non-striker at the non-striker's end.
What are the running calls in cricket?
The three calls are: 'Yes' (run immediately), 'No' (stay in your crease), and 'Wait' (pause and reassess based on the fielder's position). The convention is the striker calls for balls hit in front of the wicket; the non-striker calls for balls hit square or behind. Clear, loud calls prevent hesitation and avoid run-outs.
Why do run-outs happen in cricket?
Run-outs happen because of: miscommunication between batting partners (both calling 'yes' or 'no' simultaneously), hesitation mid-pitch when a batsman changes their mind, misjudgment of a fielder's throwing accuracy, and fatigue leading to slow running in later overs. A good direct hit from a fielder plus any hesitation in the batsman's running typically results in a run-out.