Calling Between the Wickets
Also known as: calling for runs, who calls in cricket, calling in cricket, yes no wait in cricket, calling for a run, calling when running between wickets
Many coaches teach that the striker calls for balls hit in front of the wicket and the non-striker calls for balls behind square, where the striker cannot see. Use three clear words: "yes", "no" and "wait". It is a coaching convention, not a Law. Agree it with your partner before you bat.
The idea is that the batter with the best view makes the call. For most shots in front of square, that is the striker. For edges, glances and cuts going behind square, the striker often cannot see the ball. The non-striker has the better view and calls.
Calls should be loud, early and final. "Yes" means run. "No" means stay. "Wait" means the caller is not sure yet. It must be followed quickly by "yes" or "no". Batters often add the number, such as "yes, two", when they can see a second run. The non-striker backs up a little as the bowler delivers. Under Law 38.3, leaving your ground before the bowler's arm reaches the top of the delivery swing risks being run out by the bowler.
Run-outs often come from hesitation or mixed calls. Once a call is made, commit to it. If you must refuse, say "no" loudly and early. Run the first run hard to set up a second. Slide the bat over the crease at the end of each run. Turn towards the ball as you finish a run to see the next chance.
Tips by skill level
Agree the calling rule with your partner before every innings. Practise calling out loud in the nets, even for shots you would not run.
Call the number of runs early when you see the fielder is deep. "Yes, two" sets your partner up to turn quickly at the end of the first run.
Example
The striker edges the ball past gully. She stays silent, since it is behind square. The non-striker calls "yes!" at once. They complete the single and look for a second.
Why it matters
Clear calling turns ones into twos and stops avoidable run-outs. It is one of the cheapest ways to add runs.
Common mistakes
- Calling late or quietly
- Both batters calling at once
- Saying "wait" and never following it with "yes" or "no"
- Watching the ball instead of your partner after the call
Frequently asked questions
Who should call when running between wickets?
Many coaches teach that the striker calls for balls in front of the wicket and the non-striker calls for balls behind square. It is a coaching convention, not a Law. Agree it with your partner before you bat.
What do yes, no and wait mean in cricket?
Yes means run. No means stay in your ground. Wait means the caller is not sure yet and will follow with yes or no very quickly.
Who calls for a run when the ball goes behind square?
Usually the non-striker. The striker often cannot see the ball once it goes behind them. The non-striker has the clearer view.
Sources
Related terms
- Run OutA run out happens when a fielder puts down the wicket while a batter is out of their ground, whether or not a run is being attempted (Law 38.1). The batter is out.
- CreaseThe crease is any of the white painted lines on the cricket pitch. These lines define legal bowling positions, the safe zone for batters, and the starting point for LBW and run-out adjudications.
- Running Out the Non-Striker (Mankad)The bowler can run out a non-striker who leaves their crease too early. If the non-striker is out of their ground before the bowler's arm reaches the top of the normal delivery swing. The bowler may break the wicket by hand or with a throw. It is a legal run out under Law 38.3, often called 'Mankading'. Once the bowler's arm passes that point, it is too late.
- Finding Gaps in the FieldTo find gaps, look at the field before every ball and pick the space you will aim for. Then use the angle of the bat face and soft or firm hands to place the ball there. Hit along the ground into the space between fielders and run hard for the single.
- Direct Hit Run-OutA direct hit run-out is when a fielder's throw hits the stumps directly, not relayed through the wicket-keeper. It dismisses a batter who is short of their crease.
- Opening Batter (Opening the Batting)Opening batters bat first and face the new ball. To be a good opener, build a tight defence, know where your off stump is and leave well early on. Talk with your partner, run hard and score from bad balls. In limited-overs cricket, openers also use the powerplay to score while the field is up.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.