Bowling Average Calculator
Calculate cricket bowling average and performance efficiency
Bowling Average Calculator
Bowling Performance Analysis
Bowling Statistics
Format Context
Performance Feedback
Bowling Tips
- •Work on bowling to field placements
- •Develop variations in pace/spin
- •Study video analysis of dismissals
- •Practice bowling in pressure situations
Example: George Lohmann's Record
Lowest Test bowling average in cricket history (minimum 600 balls bowled)
Performance Guide
Match-winning ability
Rare achievement
Consistent wicket-taker
Team spearhead
Reliable performer
Regular team selection
Room for improvement
Support role
Focus on basics
Practice required
Consider coaching
Focus on other skills
Format Context
Test Cricket
Patience and consistency key
ODI Cricket
Balance economy and wickets
T20 Cricket
Economy often more important
Legendary Bowling Averages
George Lohmann
TestLowest Test bowling average (min 600 balls)
1886-1896
Sydney Barnes
TestLegendary pre-war bowler
1901-1914
Joel Garner
TestBest average among modern fast bowlers
1977-1987
Muttiah Muralitharan
TestMost Test wickets in history
1992-2010
Shane Warne
TestLegendary leg-spinner
1992-2007
Lasith Malinga
ODIMost ODI wickets
2004-2019
Understanding Bowling Average
What is Bowling Average?
Bowling average is a fundamental cricket statistic that measures bowling efficiency by comparing runs conceded to wickets taken. It's calculated using the formula: Bowling Average = Runs Conceded / Wickets Taken. Unlike batting average, a lower bowling average indicates better performance.
Why Lower is Better
- Efficiency: Fewer runs given per wicket shows control and effectiveness
- Pressure: Low averages put pressure on batting teams
- Match Impact: Bowlers with low averages often win matches for their teams
- Selection: Lower averages typically lead to consistent team selection
Historical Context
- •Pre-1920 era: Lower averages due to uncovered pitches and different conditions
- •Modern era: Better pitches and protective equipment favor batsmen
- •Format evolution: T20 cricket has changed bowling strategies and expectations
- •Record significance: George Lohmann's 10.74 remains unmatched in modern cricket
Factors Affecting Average
- •Pitch conditions: Helpful conditions can lower averages significantly
- •Opposition quality: Stronger batting lineups typically inflate averages
- •Bowling style: Fast bowlers vs spinners have different average ranges
- •Career stage: Young and aging bowlers often have higher averages
- •Team support: Good fielding and catching help maintain low averages
- •Playing conditions: Home vs away performance can vary significantly
Pro Tip: Bowling average should be considered alongside economy rate and strike rate for a complete picture of bowling performance. Context like match situation, format, and opposition strength is crucial for proper interpretation.
Bowling Roles and Averages
- •Opening bowlers: Often have lower averages due to new ball advantages
- •First change: Support bowlers maintaining pressure after openers
- •Spinners: Middle-overs specialists with varying average expectations
- •Death bowlers: Higher averages acceptable if economy rate is controlled
Bowling Average by Format Expectations
Test Cricket
- • Elite: less than 25
- • Good: 25-30
- • Average: 30-35
- • Poor: greater than 40
- • Focus: Consistency over time
ODI Cricket
- • Elite: less than 25
- • Good: 25-32
- • Average: 32-38
- • Poor: greater than 40
- • Balance: Economy vs wickets
T20 Cricket
- • Elite: less than 20
- • Good: 20-28
- • Average: 28-35
- • Focus: Economy often priority
- • Context: Match situations vital