Lets examine why run-outs happen ...
- The striker calls for a run and zips down confident that there is one to be taken there but the non - striker staunchly stands his ground wondering how the hell the striker even imagined there was a run on. But hey give some credit to the striker who atleast went for it. For all you know the fielder's throw could have missed target and that one run could have been the difference between the win and the loss. But a runout in this case
- Then there is the one where there is hesitation. Maybe - May not be. Bam by the time you decide to take off, the ball is in the keeper's gloves and you have been run out. If only you had started earlier and not stopped to debate whether there in fact is a run there or not - you could have made it and lived to die another day.
- Then there is the genuine misunderstanding - the striker thinks there is 2, the non striker thinks there is 1. The classical - one-side-hoping-for-more from it all while the other side thinks that there is only so much that can be done here. And amidst all that confusion, you have been run out
- Then there is the confusion caused by the 3rd person involved in the picture - the runner. The batsman might be injured, so out comes the runner. With it creating the ultimate triangle situation. The batsman might put complete faith in the runner only to see him fumble and be run out OR the batsman might not trust the runner and both might run together to the same end. Well thats just not done isnt it -The runner then ensures that the batsman is runout anyway.
2 comments:
There's this hilarious incident (mostly in the county cricket) where both the striker and the non striker were using runners. So there were four people from the batting side on the field. During one inspired moment, the non striker ran too. Confusion reigned and when the stumps were down, the umpire saw that all the four were on one side. He said, "Gentlemen, I think it's best you decide who's out."
Ah, I see someone has scooped me with this story. The version I heard went something like this...
"In a county match, nos. 10 & 11 were at the crease, injured & both using runners. Now, given the fact that they were 10 & Jack, it speaks volumes about their batting skill, but these two were the cream of their respective crops. After setting of for a run, confusion reigned as all four tried to run. It ended up with everyone on the same side of the pitch & the bails taken off at the other end. With everyone walking towards the pavilion, the square leg umpire, while passing them said: "One of you bastards is out. Decide whom & tell the scorers on your way back!!" " :)
Post a Comment