Most Terrible Run-Outs in Cricket, a game known for its moments of intense drama and sheer brilliance, can also be a stage for some of the most embarrassing dismissals. Among these, being run out can truly make a player feel high and dry, especially when it’s your partner responsible for your fate. In this article, we present a lighthearted compilation of ten of the most amusing and downright embarrassing run-out incidents that have unfolded on the cricket field over the years. Let’s delve into these unforgettable moments that will leave you both in splits and in awe of the game’s unpredictable nature.
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10. Donald Allan’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
All South Africa needed was one run from the last four balls of their semi-final match against Australia at Edgbaston to secure their spot in the 1999 World Cup final versus Pakistan.
But as Australia celebrated making it to the final, nerves got the better of the Proteas as Lance Klusener went on an unbelievable run that left last man Allan Donald stranded in the center of the ground.
9: Mike Atherton’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
The England opener seemed destined for a hundred when he tucked part-time spinner Allan Border off his legs, just three runs short of his first-ever Test century against Australia at home.
However, Atherton’s opposite-end companion was the less agile Mike Gatting, and when the Middlesex veteran had a late change of heart during the third run, he ended up flattening his teammate on his back in a bid to establish himself.
8: Jacques Kallis Most Terrible Run-Outs
The legendary South African all-rounder, who is usually unflappable in the middle, was once again caught off guard when he attempted to race back for a second run to surpass his century against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground—a move that not even Usain Bolt would have taken.
However, what exactly is it about the Nervous Nineties that causes batsmen, who are usually sensible, to act in the most bizarre ways?
7: Inzamam-Ul-Haq’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
Another hilarious run-out in the Pakistani player’s career, but this one versus England has to be Inzy’s most memorable, surely?
To be fair, though, when fast bowler Steve Harmison fielded his drive and then put the stumps down, the middle-order batsman did look very much as though he was trying to evade the situation.
6: Ricky Ponting’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
Running your captain out is never a good idea, especially when that guy is Ricky Ponting and you are a tail-ender on a flat pitch in Bangladesh. However, that is precisely what occurred in this instance, as teammate Jason Gillespie left the former Australian captain high and dry.
But Dizzy did make up for his error of judgment when, in April 2006, he scored an iconic undefeated double century in Chittagong.
5: Hayden Matthew Most Terrible Run-Outs
The greatest run-outs are always those in which both batsmen reach the same end. It’s even better when they compete to see who can get to the ground first, as in this instance between Matthew Hayden and Matthew Elliott of Australia against South Africa, where Elliott prevails in this specific foot race!
4: Virender Sehwag’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
When considering the most reckless run-outs in cricket history, Virender Sehwag’s 2007 run-out against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam is probably going to be at the top of the list. Sehwag played a cut shot and wanted a single. He did not step within the crease; instead, he ran the entire 22 yards. A pleasing 46-run knock is finished.
3: Alastair Cook’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
In his first series as captain of his country in India in 2012–13, the England captain could scarcely go wrong, amassing a huge run total as the tourists shocked everyone by winning the series 2-1.
Actually, in unusual situations like this one, where Cook was run out at the non-striker’s end while attempting to obstruct Virat Kohli’s bullet throw rather than merely making his ground, the home team seemed to be able to dispatch the opening.
2: Mark Waugh’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
Even though being run out is terrible, there will be some heated arguments at the family dinner table later that evening if, as happened here at the WACA between Steve and Mark Waugh against England in 1994/95, being short of your ground also leaves your twin brother stranded on 99 not out!
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1: Ian Bell’s Most Terrible Run-Outs
One of the strangest run-outs in recent memory, involving an English batter against India once more. However, this time, there isn’t a brilliant fielding play that results in the dismissal—quite the reverse.
The two English batters strolled out for tea as India’s Praveen Kumar looked to signal a four as he also threw the ball back in from the outfield after Eoin Morgan had hit the last delivery of the session seemingly off his legs for a boundary.
Though Bell was out on review, much to his and the boisterous home crowd’s obvious dismay, an astute MS Dhoni handed the ball to Abhinav Mukund, who shattered the stumps. The mortified batsman was then restored following peace talks during the tea break.