No runners in ODI: snap poll
SportsCentral polled some knowledgeable cricket folk (and Archie Henderson) on whether runners should be allowed in ODI cricket – which the ICC has decided is off. Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs, to mention two, would have suffered under this new rule.
Here are their views:
– Mike van Vuuren, former EP and Border quick: “No, it’s not a good thing … especially if the need is legitimate, that is, the injury has occurred during the course of a match.”
– Tech journalist and good club all-rounder Paul Furber: “I find it sad. Allowing a runner is one of those quirky rules which gives cricket its charm. If the batsman can’t run for whatever reason, he can still compete out there in the middle because a teammate is helping him. And it leads to some delightful riddles about dismissals.”
– Times editor Archie Henderson: “Have you ever batted with a runner? It’s bloody confusing and can only aggravate the injury… as in forgetting you have one, then taking off for a sharp single and further pulling that hammie. I agree with Telford Vice: if you are hurt you are out.”
– Freelance cricket writer Telford Vice: “It’s about time cricket stopped trying to tell us it is the gentleman’s game. No runners means less cheating.”
– Dave Callaghan: “It is ridiculous to spend so much time and money on a rule that doesn’t make the game any more exciting!”
– Former administrator and current players’ agent Arthur Turner: “Cricket should address the injury situation that occurs in a match with a modern policy. Any player who is medically certified injured in a match should be replaced by a similar sort of player. Removing the runner does not solve the problems of injured players: it compounds it and unevens the playing field in that particular match.
– Dave Callaghan pitches in on the new two-ball ODI rule: “With two new balls back in the game, your opening batsmen will became vital again. After all the bad press with Cook being selected as England captain, the selectors can justify their selection. Strauss might be welcomed and there will be place for Smith in the SA side for quite some time. A good rule!!” — Frank Heydenrych, SportsCentral