After ICC decided to do away with runners in the modern game, MiD DAY takes a look at how they helped batsmen make history in the past
After ICC decided to do away with runners in the modern game, MiD DAY takes a look at how they helped batsmen make history in the past VVS Laxman: 103' v Sri Lanka, Colombo Test, August 2010 India levelled the Test series in Lanka thanks to a special ton by Laxman. He defied back spasms, avoided a runner for the first half of his knock, but was forced to call out for one later (Virender Sehwag). He was forced to bring his wrists into play because of limited movement.
VVS Laxman: 73' v Australia, Mohali Test, October 2010
Once again, the graceful batsman, playing with a painful back, steered India to an incredible run-chase of 216. He batted with Pragyan Ojha (runner) all through his knock. He batted as low as number ten in the first, but came out at 7 in the second innings.
Herschelle Gibbs: 175 v Australia, Johannesburg, March 2006
Chasing a world record 434, Gibbs spearheaded South Africa's incredible effort with a knock that included 21 boundaries and seven sixes. Soon after surpassing his 16th ODI century, Gibbs, suffering from cramps, asked for a runner. The Aussies did not object.
Gibbs: 90' v West Indies, Johannesburg, WT20 2007
The first-ever T20 World Cup kicked off in rollicking fashion. Chris Gayle's ton meant Proteas had to chase 206. Gibbs flayed the Windies bowlers to all corners of the Bull Ring but not without the assistance of a runner (AB de Villiers). The hosts won with 14 balls to spare.
Saeed Anwar: 194 v India, Independence Cup 1997When Shahid Afridi came on as a runner for Saeed Anwar starting from the 19th over, the latter was 40 short off his century. There's perhaps never been a game in history when a batsman benefited as much with a runner. Anwar went on to register a score that remained a world record for almost 13 years.
Pakistan won the game by 35 runs.
