Runner (cricket)


In cricket, a runner is a team member who runs between the wickets for an injured batsman. This is covered by Law 25 of the Laws of Cricket.
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/her. The runner occupies the injured batsman's crease when he/she 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/she then takes up the position near the square leg umpire, and the runner stands next to the bowler's wicket as in the normal course of play.
The runner must also already have batted in the innings, if possible.
If either the injured batsman or his/her runner is out of their ground, the batsman is liable to be run out or stumped. The runner is also subject to other laws such as obstructing the field.
In June 2011, the International Cricket Council announced that, from 1 October 2011, runners could no longer be used in international cricket.