Running Between the Wickets in Cricket: Technique, Calls and Communication

Why Running Between Wickets Matters

In all formats of cricket, rotating the strike and converting half-opportunities into runs is as important as hitting boundaries. Teams that run well between the wickets score 10–15 additional runs per innings compared to those with poor running — often the difference between a competitive total and a below-par one. Running between wickets also builds partnerships, tires fielders, and creates pressure moments that can force errors.

The Calling Convention

The batter who plays the ball calls the run. If the ball goes behind the striker (fine leg, behind square on the off side), the non-striker has a better view and makes the call. The three calls are: YES (run now), NO (stay, do not run), and WAIT (hold position until I assess). A clear, loud, early YES or NO prevents hesitation. WAIT is appropriate when the ball is close to a fielder and the second run is not yet clear. Partners must commit to the call once made — changing from YES to NO mid-run causes catastrophic confusion.

Backing Up

The non-striker should begin moving towards the batting end as the bowler begins their delivery stride — this is called backing up. A batter who backs up well can turn a single into a comfortable two before a fielder reacts. However, a non-striker who backs up too early risks being run out by the bowler at the non-striker's end (a Mankad dismissal, which is legal under Law 38).

Turning for Second and Third Runs

When turning at the crease for a second run, batters should ground their bat over the crease before turning — a batter who turns without grounding their bat is out if the fielder hits the stumps. The batter should also turn on the side closest to where the ball is — turning towards the fielder allows them to watch the throw developing. Professional batters sprint the first half of each run and begin to turn early so they can accelerate into the next run rather than stopping fully.

Common Running Errors

The most common mistakes include: not calling clearly, arriving at the crease without grounding the bat, turning on the wrong side, jogging the second run too slowly, and not watching the fielder's body language for cues on whether to attempt another run. Elite partnerships (think Steve Smith and David Warner) develop intuitive understanding through experience and explicit communication at mid-pitch conferences during natural breaks.