The combined bowling rate as a measure of bowling performance in cricket

Abstract

A single measure that can be used to assess the performance of bowlers in cricket is defined. This study shows how it can be used to rank bowlers. The performance of bowlers is generally measured by using three different criteria, i.e. the average number of runs conceded per wicket taken (A), the economy rate (E), which is the average number of runs conceded per over bowled, and the strike rate (S), which is the average number of balls bowled per wicket taken. Each of these is important in its own right. The average (A) is normally used to rate bowlers. This classification is however not very accurate as it does for example not take into account how many overs have been bowled. Two bowlers might have the same average but one may be more economical than the other. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a single measure that takes the full performance of a bowler into account. The combined bowling rate CBR = 3/[1/A + 1/E + 1/S] is defined for this purpose and is used to rate bowlers. A classification scheme . with ten classes according to which bowlers can be classified is given. The best bowlers are those who fall in class one.


(S. African J. for Research in Sport, Physical Ed. and Recreation: 2002 24 (2): 37-44)