I didn't feel he merited a runner: Strauss by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	GC Smith
Event:	ICC Champions Trophy 2009/10

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DateLine: 28th September 2009

 

England's win and entry into the semi-finals was tainted by some bad blood between both skippers Andrew Strauss and Graeme Smith.

 

Strauss denied centurion Smith a runner in the day-nighter at Centurion.

 

It all started in the 95th over when South Africa required 69 runs from the final six overs with five wickets in hand when Smith requested a runner with AB de Villiers padded up and waiting at the boundary edge. He was turned down by Strauss and umpires Steve Davis and Tony Hill.

 

Strauss said that he believes runners should not be granted due to poor fitness.

 

"He asked me for a runner because he was cramping, the umpires were not particularly keen to give him one, and I felt at the end of a long game when you have had a long innings you are going to be tired," said Strauss.

 

"That is one of the things that happens and cramping to a certain extent is a preparation thing and to a certain extent a conditioning thing.

 

"I didn't feel he merited having a runner at that stage. My personal view is you shouldn't get a runner for cramps full stop."

 

Smith though looked irate on Strauss' decision.

 

"From my perspective it seemed a little bit inconsistent," said Smith. "Players have got runners for cramp in the past and there needs to be a level of consistency there.

 

"The thing I have learned from this game is that the world is round and it is going to come back somewhere in his captaincy.

 

"It will be interesting to see how he handles it if it happens again. It was a crucial part of the game, I had been on the field for 95 overs and had cramped up."