Test: Recollect cricketing events under the old rule abolishment - let's see how much you remember!
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In the world of cricket, the use of runners has been a topic of debate for many years. However, a significant change was made in 2011 when the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to abolish the practice in international matches. This decision was not without its history and controversy, as we delve into the story of Alfred Mynn, a notable cricketer from the first half of the 19th century, who was known as the "Lion of Kent."
Mynn's legacy in cricket is indelible, and his impact on the game is still felt today. In 1836, during a practice session before the South versus North game at Leicester, Mynn was hit on the ankle by a ball. Despite the severe injury, Mynn played the match and scored an outstanding 125 not out. His size was so enormous that his leg had to be tied to the roof of the stagecoach for the hundred-mile journey to the hospital.
Mynn's use of a runner, a practice that is no longer allowed in international cricket since 2011, was instrumental in his achievement. However, it was also a practice that led to changes in the game's rules and practices. The news of Mynn's valour spread and influenced the cricket community, leading to debates and discussions about the use of runners in the game.
The abolition of runners in international cricket was triggered by various incidents, including the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy, where South African captain Graeme Smith requested a runner due to cramping, but the English captain Andrew Strauss refused, citing the laws at the time allowing umpires discretion. The ICC defended Strauss's decision and later revised playing conditions to put such decisions entirely at the umpires' discretion. However, debate and dissatisfaction persisted, including from notable figures like Australian captain Michael Clarke, which ultimately led the ICC to eliminate the runner rule from international cricket altogether.
Despite the abolition in international fixtures, Law 25 of cricket still allows the use of runners in non-international (domestic or lower-level) games. The removal of runners internationally has enforced stricter physical fitness demands on players during international matches, simplifying the running between the wickets, reducing potential confusion and controversies linked to runners, and increasing the physical demand on injured or stricken players.
Today, cricket enthusiasts can test their knowledge about the runner in cricket with a quiz available on various websites. These websites also offer the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis, and live match odds. The quiz consists of 10 questions per day and can be shared with friends.
Mynn's contribution to cricket continues to be felt today, as his hundred in the match encouraged more batters to wear leg-guards (pads) more frequently. His story serves as a reminder of the impact one player can have on the game and the rules that govern it.
[1] ICC Laws of Cricket - Law 25: The Runner [2] The History of the Runner in Cricket
- The removal of runners in international cricket since 2011, as a result of the ICC's decision, has led to an increased physical demand on players during international matches and reduced potential controversies.
- Sports enthusiasts who are interested in cricket news can find updates, team standings, match highlights, and more on various websites that offer quizzes about the history and rules of the runner in cricket.
