Substitute Fielders and Runners: Rules and Roles in Cricket

In cricket, substitute fielders and runners play important but limited roles, stepping in to assist players who are injured or temporarily unavailable. While they don’t have the same rights and responsibilities as regular players, substitutes and runners help maintain the flow of the game when key players are sidelined. In this guide, we’ll explore the rules governing substitute fielders and runners, when they can be used, and the impact they have on the game.

What Is a Substitute Fielder?

A substitute fielder is a player who temporarily takes the field in place of an injured or absent player. The role of a substitute is to assist the fielding team by filling in while a regular player receives medical treatment or takes a break. However, substitutes are subject to specific rules, and their participation is limited.

Substitutes are primarily used when a player is injured during a match. According to the Laws of Cricket, the use of a substitute fielder is allowed only with the consent of the on-field umpires. The substitute can stay on the field until the original player is able to return.

Rules for Substitute Fielders

No Bowling or Batting: A substitute fielder is not allowed to bowl, bat, or act as captain. Their role is restricted to fielding duties only.
No Wicketkeeping: Substitute fielders are not permitted to act as wicketkeepers, except in cases where the original wicketkeeper is injured and unable to continue. In such situations, the fielding side must inform the umpires.
Fielding Only: Substitutes are allowed to field in any position, including the outfield or close-catching positions, but they cannot perform other key duties like bowling or batting.

When Can a Substitute Fielder Be Used?

A substitute fielder can be used in the following situations:

Injury: When a player is injured and temporarily unable to field.
Medical Treatment: If a player needs to leave the field for medical treatment or attention.
Other Temporary Absences: In cases such as equipment malfunction (e.g., a broken helmet or bat) or personal emergencies, a substitute can step in.

Substitute fielders have been part of many memorable moments in cricket, with some taking stunning catches or making crucial run outs despite their limited role.

Notable Incidents Involving Substitute Fielders

1. Gary Pratt’s Run Out of Ricky Ponting (2005 Ashes)

One of the most famous incidents involving a substitute fielder occurred during the 2005 Ashes series between England and Australia. English substitute fielder Gary Pratt made a brilliant run out of Australian captain Ricky Ponting, sparking controversy. Ponting was frustrated by England’s frequent use of substitutes during that series, which led to heated exchanges and debates about the role of substitutes in cricket.

2. Abhinav Mukund’s Stunning Catch (2011 West Indies Tour)

In a 2011 Test match between India and the West Indies, Indian substitute fielder Abhinav Mukund took a spectacular diving catch to dismiss West Indies batsman Kirk Edwards. Mukund’s catch was celebrated as one of the highlights of the match, showing that substitutes can make a big impact on the field despite their limited role.

What Is a Runner?

A runner is a player who assists a batsman who is injured and unable to run between the wickets. The runner runs for the injured batsman after the batsman strikes the ball, ensuring that play can continue. The use of runners is governed by strict rules, and they are only allowed in specific circumstances.

Rules for Runners

Same End as Batsman: The runner must stand at the same end as the batsman they are running for. They are required to run between the wickets and complete the runs on behalf of the injured player.
Matching Equipment: The runner must wear the same equipment as the injured batsman, including protective gear like pads and helmets.
Following Instructions: The runner can only run when the batsman plays a shot and must follow the batsman’s instructions regarding whether to attempt a run.

The use of runners has declined in recent years due to changes in the rules. In 2011, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that runners would no longer be allowed in international matches, as they were seen as causing confusion and slowing down the game.

When Was the Runner Rule Changed?

In 2011, the ICC made a significant change to the Law of Cricket regarding runners, banning their use in international matches. The decision was made to speed up the game and reduce potential disputes or delays caused by the use of runners. As a result, injured batsmen now have to manage their own running or retire if they are unable to continue.

Famous Instances Involving Runners

Before the rule change, there were several memorable instances where runners played a key role in cricket matches. Here are two of the most notable:

1. Dean Jones’s 210 in Madras (1986)

Australian batsman Dean Jones famously used a runner during his epic 210 in the 1986 Madras (now Chennai) Test match against India. Jones was suffering from severe dehydration and exhaustion in the extreme heat, but with the help of a runner, he continued to bat and score one of the most famous double centuries in cricket history.

2. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Confusing Run Out (2005)

In a 2005 ODI between India and Pakistan, Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq found himself involved in a confusing run-out incident while using a runner. Both Inzamam and his runner were at the same end, leading to a chaotic dismissal that has since become one of the more amusing moments in cricket history.

Conclusion

While the roles of substitute fielders and runners in cricket are limited, they play a crucial part in keeping the game flowing when regular players are unavailable. Substitutes provide valuable support in the field, while runners (before being banned) helped injured batsmen continue their innings. Understanding the rules around their use helps ensure that the game remains fair and competitive. For more insight into cricket’s unique rules and how they affect match dynamics, explore our Laws of Cricket Guide for a deeper understanding of the game’s complexities.