Running Between the Wickets: Cricket's Underrated Skill
How to run between the wickets effectively — calling, backing up, ground judgment, converting singles to twos, and avoiding the most common run-out causes.
Running between the wickets is one of cricket's most underrated skills — and one of the most important. Quick running converts misfields into extra runs, turns singles into doubles, and puts pressure on the fielding side. Poor running causes run-outs, which are among the most preventable forms of dismissal in cricket.
The Call System
The striker (batter facing the ball) calls for the first run. The call must be clear and decisive: 'Yes' (run), 'No' (don't run), or 'Wait' (pause). If the striker cannot see the ball (hit behind them, for instance), the non-striker calls. The critical rule: once 'Yes' is called and both batters have started running, the call cannot be reversed without risk of a run-out.
When to Call
Call early — before completing the shot — for straight drives and on-side shots where the ball travels in front of you. Call after seeing where the ball goes for behind-square shots (the non-striker needs to judge the run). For misfields, call loudly and clearly. Never 'dither' — a committed run at full speed is safer than a hesitant half-run.
Ground Judgment
Running effective twos and threes requires both batters to judge 'the ground' — how far the ball has gone, whether a fielder is chasing, and whether the throw will arrive before the batter reaches the crease. Elite partnerships develop 'ground sense' through experience together — an understanding of each partner's sprint speed and grounding technique.
Most Common Run-Out Causes
- Hesitation: Starting to run, then stopping — neither batter is in the crease.
- Poor calling: 'Yes' from one end, 'No' from the other end simultaneously.
- Turning for a second run without checking the fielder's position.
- Non-striker leaving the crease too early (backing up too far — also a Mankad run-out risk).
- Direct hits: Accurate fielder throws from the deep that the batter didn't expect.
Frequently asked questions
Who calls in cricket while running between wickets?
The striker (batter who hit the ball) calls for the first run if they can see where the ball is going — for straight drives and on-side shots. The non-striker calls if the ball goes behind the striker — square or fine on the off or leg side — because the non-striker can see the fielders. The call must be clear: 'Yes', 'No', or 'Wait'.
What is a direct hit run-out?
A direct hit run-out occurs when a fielder throws the ball directly at the stumps (without it going through the wicketkeeper) and hits them while the batter is out of their crease. Direct hits from the deep or the infield are one of the most spectacular fielding dismissals in cricket.
What causes most run-outs?
The most common run-out causes are hesitation (running, stopping, then running again — neither batter is safely in), poor calling (conflicting calls), turning for a second run without checking the fielder's position and throw speed, and backing up too far at the non-striker's end. Clear communication and decisive calling prevent the majority of run-outs.