The Art of the Run Out

Running a partner out is not as straight forward as it seems.

Stuart Broad is run out.  Will he ever learn ?

Lots of nuances lie behind a great run out: Motive, style, deception, method, the hidden smirk, the false apology.

Motive:
Partners often like to try and steal the  limelight from the real reason why the crowd are there, which is to see you carve out a 3 day 50. Forward defence, blocking and leaving are the real attractions in today's game. Any partner of mine would do well to learn this, or join the ranks of my victims.  Any fancy Dan stuff on display at the opposite end cannot, and will not, be tolerated.

Another Hapless Victim 

Style:
The victim determines the style of the run out. Reverse sweepers are particularly susceptible to being left stranded and hapless 10 yards from safety.  Straight forward poor batsmen are always allowed the dignity of a fighting chance, consisting of a despairing dive, which by perfect timing by myself, always leaves them 4 inches shy of the crease.

Deception:
The trick to a successful run out is to gain the trust of your victim. Take a couple of easy singles to lull them into a false sense of security before delivering the deadly 'YES, YES..... NO' shout.

Method:
You need to execute your run out in such a way that you ensure the victim can be blamed for his own downfall. One of my favourites methods is to hit the ball towards square leg slightly behind stump level. This is the 'border of responsibility' Then wait a few seconds before delivery of the deadly shout. At the inquest you can always blame the victim for not taking the opportunity to shout 'NO'. Perfect timing of your shout will always ensure the victim takes the blame.

Always allow yourself a sly smirk..

The hidden smirk:
Following a successful run out it is almost impossible to hide your joy at bagging another victim. Save your big  guffaw until you get home. Allow yourself a sly smirk behind your batting glove while all the attention is on the umpires raised digit.


The false sympathy:
Try to show sympathy for your hapless partner, without ever conceding responsibility. Some useful phrases are:
 'Sorry mate I didn't think you'd be daft enough to go for that'
'You need to practice your turning son'
'Hard luck lad, at least I'm still in'