ICC backs Strauss in runner controversy

England's ultimately comfortable passage to the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy was marred by a moment of controversy towards the end of the night at Centurion, when Andrew Strauss refused Graeme Smith a runner. Smith, who batted 216 minutes in all after having spent a session in the field, was clearly unhappy when AB de Villiers was asked to head back to the pavilion, and Mickey Arthur, the South African coach, was seen swearing in frustration. Smith was dismissed soon after for 141, and South Africa eventually fell 12 runs short of the 313 that would have given them a mathematical chance of survival in the competition.

But the ICC has backed Andrew Strauss and the umpires in the runner controversy with Graeme Smith, saying they followed the laws of the game. Smith suffered cramps when he was on 124 with South Africa needing another 69 from 36 balls to stay in the ICC Champions Trophy and requested for a runner but Strauss declined it.


Smith was unhappy with Strauss's decision which he said was inconsistent since batsmen have been allowed runners for cramps on previous occasions. However, Strauss defended his move, saying the umpires were also not keen to comply with Smith's request.

I didnt see the game also Is that the rule that for cramps they wont allow the batsman to have a runner.I remember India alloed Saeed Anwar when he hit 194 to have a runner when he suffered cramps.

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Kimi's Signature:

He should have ate banana, that thing is loaded with potassium

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Saiyan's Signature:

But if this is the thing, then many players have gotten runners for fatigue cramps
But actually the situation of this match would have changed if Strauss would have allowed the runner

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C.Ronaldo's Signature:

I saw that match.

I think while what Strauss did was probably right and correct as per rules, we have seen in the past that most captains allow runners for cramps (which happen due to dehydration and fatigue anyway) Its probably sportsmanship but imo that's not something to show too much in a crunch game especially when you come into a tourney barely managing to avoid a 7-0 whitewash(they managed 6-1 defeat )

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Safin's Signature:

Have Fun, Take part in debates, Read jokes, Ogle at Celebs; Just follow the Rules!

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

Playing the game real hard

I would have given a runner had I been the captain

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Agnel's Signature:

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds;
and the pessimist fears this is true

I back Strauss here.

What if a runner is allowed and smith takes his team to victory? isnt it lack of sportsman spirit on part of south africa then?

If you cant last through a full quota of game duration you dont deserve to be on field, as simple as that.

Just few days back when Sachin Tendulkar scored centuries against NZ in NZ and against SL in SL he too suffered cramps and he was granted runner, but i feel it was not justified by the rules.

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medpal's Signature:

It is a gentleman's game, be a gentleman

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Agnel's Signature:

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds;
and the pessimist fears this is true