ICC backs Strauss

England captain Andrew Strauss has come under much criticism from the South African media for refusing to allow a cramping Graeme Smith a runner during Sunday's match at Centurion.

Smith, on 124, was struggling with cramps when he asked for a runner.

The request was turned down by Strauss and the umpires, annoying the South African captain

However, an ICC spokesman said the decision could not be faulted. "He (Smith) asked for a runner and the umpires took the view that cramp is a symptom of fatigue. Being tired does not qualify batsmen for a runner under the laws of the game. That is the way it will be interpreted by the umpires for the rest of the tournament."