Batting average

The batting average is one of the key metrics used to evaluate a cricketer’s performance. To calculate it, you divide the total number of runs a player has scored by the number of times they’ve been dismissed. The result is typically rounded to one decimal place. This statistic has been used in cricket since the 18th century.

Batting Average: The Basics

The batting average is considered a crucial indicator because, unlike many other stats, it doesn’t rely on a player’s teammates. Still, not everyone agrees that it’s the best way to identify the strongest players.

The batting average is not so difficult to calculate, even for a beginner in cricket. If all innings have been completed, it reflects the average number of runs scored per innings. If an innings has not been completed, then this number is the estimate of the unknown average number of runs that cricketers score for each inning. Not-outs can skew the average, often making it appear higher. If the batsman was not removed from the game in any of the innings, then he does not receive statistics on the results of the match since dividing the total by zero will give zero.

It is important that individual calculations are applied in each cricket format and according to different criteria:

• Often, the batting average is calculated for individual series or seasons. Also, the indicators are considered for the entire career.
• Sometimes, you can see data on specific opponents.

In Test matches, batting averages tend to be higher than in limited-overs formats like One Day Internationals (ODIs) or Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). That’s because ODIs and T20s emphasize fast scoring, encouraging riskier shots that can lower a player’s average. In contrast, Test cricket allows batters to build their innings more patiently, often resulting in better averages.

Batting Average: Leaderboard Indicators

In the late 19th century, an average of around 25 was considered excellent, especially before the introduction of the heavy roller, which made pitches more batter-friendly. Today, a strong batting average for attacking players typically falls between 20 and 40. Ideally, wicket-keepers should be in the same range, although they often compensate with other skills.

Due to improved batting techniques and smaller field sizes, elite players can now achieve averages around 50. That said, some benchmarks have remained consistent since the 19th century. For example:

• For cricketers who are 15 or younger.
• For all-rounders. For them, an excellent result is the indicator 30.
• For exceptional bowlers. Now there are practically no such people left, but experienced fans will remember the names of Alf Valentine, B. S. Chandrasekhar.

To get a batting average, it is often enough to play for 20 innings. This limit is made so that the statistics figures are as close to reality as possible.

For example, if we take a short period of time, then the keeper-batsman from Trinidad and Tobago, Andy Ganteaume, who has a rank of 112, will be the leader in this indicator. In 1948, the cricketer played the only time for the West Indies national team in a test match against England and set a hitherto unbeaten record. He was not called up to the national team until the 1957 season. Another invitation again fell on tour with England, but nine years later, Gantenaume did not get the opportunity to enter the field because of his slow scoring.

On the other hand, there’s Don Bradman of Australia, widely regarded as the greatest batsman in cricket history. During his career, he has a batting average of 99.94. His rise in his career was rapid. Already at the age of 22, Brandman has set several impressive records. He continued to perform successfully during his 20-year career. An attacking style of play distinguished Don. Spectacular blows characterized his performances.

Batting average: leaders in three formats

No one managed to reach Don Bradman’s record. At the same time, six players have a score above 60 at once, among them four Australians.

Test matches

*Current players

In First Class matches, nine players have a batting average above 60 at once. Among them are representatives of five countries, most of them from India.

First Class

*Current players

In the One Day International format, the best indicator is the representative of not the most famous country in cricket — the Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate (67.00). The runner-up Virat Kohli from India can only boast a rank of 59.33.

One Day International

*Current players

In the Twenty20 International format, only two players have a batting average of more than 50 — Virat Kohli (India) and Dawid Malan (England).

Twenty20 International

*Current players

The batting average system is also effectively used in baseball.