Helps to chase runs and attacks (5)
I believe the answer is:
raids
'attacks' is the definition.
(raid is a kind of attack)
'helps to chase runs' is the wordplay.
'helps' becomes 'aids' ('aid' can be a synonym of 'help').
'to chase' says to put letters next to each other (some letters chase after others).
'runs' becomes 'r' (cricket abbreviation).
'aids' after 'r' is 'RAIDS'.
'and' is the link.
(Other definitions for raids that I've seen before include "Invasions" , "Searches by police without warning" , "Surprise attacks" , "Military attacks" , "Military incursions, forays" .)