Running Between Wickets in Cricket
A complete guide to running between the wickets — calling, backing up, turning, and the key habits that separate good runners from great ones.
Running between the wickets is one of the most underrated skills in cricket. Poor running costs wickets through run outs; excellent running converts singles into twos, keeps scorecards ticking, and puts pressure on the fielding side. It requires communication, decision-making speed, and athleticism.
The Call System
- 'Yes' — the call to run. Made clearly and loudly by the striker if the ball is in front of the wicket (the striker can see it), or by the non-striker if it goes behind the wicket.
- 'No' — the call to stay. If either batsman says no, both should stay.
- 'Wait' — the call to hold until the situation is clearer.
- Calls should be decisive — hesitation creates run outs.
Who Calls What
| Ball direction | Primary caller |
|---|---|
| In front of the wicket (straight, off side) | Striker |
| Behind the wicket (fine leg, third man) | Non-striker |
| Square of the wicket | Both — clear communication essential |
Turning and Ground
- At the end of each run, make your ground behind the crease — bat grounded before the bails are removed.
- Turn infield (facing the ball) when completing a run so you can see the field and judge the next run.
- Do not cross early — only commit to a second run when you can see the throw.
When Run Outs Happen
- Misfield assumed — both batsmen set off, then the fielder holds the ball.
- Poor call — one batsman runs, the other stays.
- Slow turning — batsman turns away from the ball and cannot judge the throw.
- Over-ambition — going for a run when the fielder has a clear throw.
Frequently asked questions
How do you avoid run outs?
Call clearly, respond to your partner's call, ground your bat behind the crease at every end, and only go for a run if you can genuinely beat the throw.
What is the fastest legal way to complete a run?
Bat-slide — slide the bat along the crease as you approach, grounding it behind the line while still running. This technique saves valuable fractions of a second.