Calculate cricket bowling average from total runs conceded and wickets taken.
Bowling Average Calculator
Calculate cricket bowling average to measure wicket-taking efficiency and performance.
Bowling Statistics
Enter runs conceded and wickets taken to calculate bowling average
Understanding the Inputs
Key components required for bowling average calculation
Total Runs Conceded
The cumulative number of runs scored off a bowler's bowling across all overs bowled in a given period or format.
Includes all runs scored off the bat from the bowler's deliveries
Includes wides and no-balls bowled
Does NOT include byes or leg-byes (credited to wicketkeeper/fielding)
Total Wickets Taken
The number of batsmen dismissed directly by the bowler during the period being analyzed.
Includes bowled, caught, LBW, stumped, and hit wicket
Does NOT include run outs (unless bowler touched the ball)
Does NOT include retired hurt or timed out
Formula Used
Bowling Average = Total Runs Conceded / Total Wickets Taken
Measures a bowler's effectiveness by calculating the average number of runs conceded per wicket taken. A lower average indicates better bowling performance and wicket-taking ability.
The Complete Guide to Cricket Bowling Average: Measuring Wicket-Taking Efficiency
Master the fundamental metric that defines a bowler's effectiveness, economy, and overall contribution to the team's success across all formats of cricket.
The Bowling Average is one of the three primary statistics used to measure a bowler's performance in cricket (alongside economy rate and strike rate). It represents the average number of runs a bowler concedes for each wicket taken.
The Core Metric of Wicket-Taking Efficiency
While batsmen are measured by how many runs they score before getting out, bowlers are measured by how economically they take wickets. The bowling average quantifies this efficiency: the fewer runs conceded per wicket, the better the bowler.
A lower bowling average indicates:
Greater wicket-taking ability
Better control and accuracy
More economical bowling
Higher value to the team's bowling attack
How to Calculate Bowling Average
The bowling average is calculated using a straightforward formula:
Bowling Average = Total Runs Conceded / Total Wickets Taken
Understanding the Components
Total Runs Conceded: This is the cumulative sum of all runs scored off the bowler's deliveries. It includes:
All runs scored off the bat from the bowler's deliveries (boundaries, singles, etc.)
Wides and no-balls bowled (these add to runs conceded)
Does NOT include byes or leg-byes, which are credited to the wicketkeeper/fielding side, not the bowler
Total Wickets Taken: This counts only the wickets directly attributed to the bowler:
Bowled (stumps hit by the ball)
Caught (batsman hits the ball and it's caught)
LBW (Leg Before Wicket)
Stumped (wicketkeeper dismisses batsman out of crease off bowler's delivery)
Hit wicket (batsman hits own stumps while playing a shot)
Does NOT include run outs (unless the bowler deflected the ball onto the stumps)
Does NOT include retired hurt, timed out, or obstructing the field
Example Calculation
If a bowler has conceded 850 runs and taken 35 wickets in a season:
Bowling Average = 850 / 35 = 24.29
This means the bowler concedes an average of 24.29 runs for every wicket taken, which is an excellent bowling average in most formats.
Interpreting Bowling Average: What's Considered Good?
Unlike batting average where higher is better, for bowling average, lower is better. The interpretation varies by format and era:
Universal Benchmarks (General Guidelines)
Under 20: World-class, elite bowler. Reserved for the greatest bowlers in history.
20-25: Excellent bowler. Reliable strike bowler in international cricket.
25-30: Good bowler. Solid contributor to the bowling attack.
30-35: Average bowler. Acceptable for support bowlers or developing players.
Above 35: Below average. Indicates significant issues with wicket-taking or economy.
Historical Context and Era Adjustments
Bowling averages have evolved throughout cricket history. In the early 20th century, uncovered pitches and less protective batting equipment meant lower bowling averages were common. Modern cricket, with covered pitches, better bats, and more aggressive batting, has seen bowling average inflation.
When comparing bowlers across eras, consider:
Quality of opposition batting
Pitch preparation and conditions
Rules and playing conditions (e.g., fielding restrictions in limited-overs)
Equipment and ball quality
Format-Specific Benchmarks: Test, ODI, and T20
Test Cricket
Test cricket bowling averages tend to be lower than limited-overs formats because:
More overs bowled allows bowlers to settle into rhythm
Pitches deteriorate over five days, assisting bowlers
Less pressure to contain runs allows attacking bowling
Batsmen play more defensively, creating more chances
Test Cricket Benchmarks:
Under 20: All-time great (e.g., Malcolm Marshall 20.94, Dale Steyn 22.95)
20-25: World-class Test bowler
25-30: Very good international bowler
30-35: Solid Test bowler
Above 35: Struggles at Test level
One Day International (ODI)
ODI bowling averages are typically higher than Test averages because:
Flat pitches are common to ensure high-scoring games
Bowlers must balance wicket-taking with economy
ODI Benchmarks:
Under 25: Elite ODI bowler (e.g., Joel Garner 18.84, Jasprit Bumrah ~24)
25-30: Excellent ODI bowler
30-35: Good ODI bowler
35-40: Average international bowler
Above 40: Below par for ODI cricket
Twenty20 (T20)
T20 bowling averages are the highest across formats because:
Extreme aggressive batting from ball one
Powerplay overs with fielding restrictions
Shorter boundaries and batsman-friendly conditions
Less time to build pressure
T20 Benchmarks:
Under 20: Outstanding T20 bowler
20-25: Excellent T20 bowler
25-30: Good T20 bowler
30-35: Average T20 bowler
Above 35: Struggles in T20 format
Important Note: In T20 cricket, economy rate (runs per over) is often considered more important than bowling average, as containing runs is paramount in the shortest format.
Bowling Average vs Economy Rate vs Strike Rate
Cricket uses three primary bowling statistics, each measuring a different aspect of performance:
1. Bowling Average
Measures: Runs conceded per wicket taken
Formula: Runs Conceded / Wickets Taken
Lower is better
Best for: Assessing overall wicket-taking efficiency
2. Economy Rate
Measures: Runs conceded per over bowled
Formula: Runs Conceded / Overs Bowled
Lower is better
Best for: Assessing run containment ability
Most important in: T20 cricket, important in ODIs
3. Bowling Strike Rate
Measures: Balls bowled per wicket taken
Formula: Balls Bowled / Wickets Taken
Lower is better
Best for: Assessing how quickly a bowler takes wickets
Most important in: Test cricket
The Relationship Between Metrics
These three metrics are mathematically related:
Bowling Average = Economy Rate × (Strike Rate / 6)
This means a bowler can have a good average by either:
Taking wickets quickly (low strike rate) even if slightly expensive
Being very economical (low economy rate) even if wickets come slowly
Balancing both (the ideal scenario)
Format-Specific Priorities
Test Cricket: Strike rate and average are most important. Taking 20 wickets to win a Test match is the priority, even if it costs runs.
ODI Cricket: All three metrics matter. The ideal ODI bowler has a good average (under 30), good economy (under 5.5), and reasonable strike rate (under 35).
T20 Cricket: Economy rate is king. A bowler with an economy of 7.0 and average of 28 is often more valuable than one with economy 9.0 and average 22, because containing runs is crucial.
Strategies to Improve Your Bowling Average
Improving bowling average requires developing wicket-taking ability while maintaining economy. Here are proven strategies:
1. Technical Fundamentals
Consistent line and length: The foundation of all good bowling. Bowl in the "corridor of uncertainty" outside off-stump
Develop a stock ball: A reliable delivery you can bowl repeatedly with accuracy
Master your action: A repeatable, biomechanically sound action reduces injuries and improves consistency
Seam position: For pace bowlers, upright seam position creates movement and bounce
Wrist position: For spin bowlers, strong wrist position generates turn and dip
2. Develop Variations
Pace variations: Slower balls, bouncers, yorkers to keep batsmen guessing
Spin variations: Doosra, googly, arm ball, top-spinner
Length variations: Yorker, bouncer, good length mixing
Don't overuse: Variations are most effective when used sparingly
3. Tactical Bowling
Set up batsmen: Bowl a pattern of deliveries to create a false sense of security, then deliver the wicket ball
Bowl to your field: Understand your field placement and bowl to force batsmen to hit to fielders
Exploit weaknesses: Study batsmen to identify technical weaknesses (e.g., struggle against short ball, weak against spin)
Adapt to conditions: Read the pitch, weather, and match situation to adjust your approach
Build pressure: Dot balls create pressure that leads to wickets
4. Mental Strength
Ball-by-ball focus: Don't dwell on being hit for boundaries; focus on the next delivery
Patience: Wickets often come to bowlers who maintain discipline
Confidence: Believe in your ability to take wickets
Learn from mistakes: Analyze when you get hit and adjust
Pressure management: Stay calm in death overs or when batsmen are attacking
5. Physical Fitness
Stamina: Bowling long spells requires excellent cardiovascular fitness
Core strength: Essential for generating pace and spin
Flexibility: Prevents injuries and allows full range of motion in bowling action
Strength training: Builds power for pace or spin generation
Recovery: Proper rest and recovery prevents injuries and maintains performance
6. Target Specific Batsmen
Attack top order: Dismissing quality batsmen early improves your average more than tail-end wickets
Don't pad stats: While tail-end wickets count, focus on dismissing the best batsmen
New batsmen are vulnerable: Attack new batsmen before they settle
Conclusion
The bowling average is a cornerstone statistic in cricket, providing a clear measure of a bowler's wicket-taking efficiency and overall effectiveness. While it has limitations—particularly in not measuring economy or wicket-taking speed independently—it remains the primary metric for evaluating bowling performance across all formats.
Understanding bowling average, its calculation, and its interpretation is essential for players, coaches, selectors, and fans. When combined with complementary metrics like economy rate and strike rate, bowling average provides invaluable insights into a bowler's performance and value to their team.
Whether you're a developing bowler aiming to improve your statistics, a coach analyzing team composition, or a fan evaluating players, the bowling average calculator and this guide provide the tools and knowledge to make informed assessments of bowling performance in cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about bowling average in cricket
What is a good bowling average in cricket?
In Test cricket, an average under 25 is considered excellent, while under 20 is world-class. In ODI cricket, under 30 is excellent and under 25 is elite. In T20 cricket, under 25 is very good and under 20 is outstanding. Remember, lower is better for bowling average.
How is bowling average calculated?
Bowling average is calculated by dividing total runs conceded by the number of wickets taken. The formula is: Bowling Average = Runs Conceded / Wickets Taken. This includes all runs scored off the bowler's deliveries, including wides and no-balls, but excludes byes and leg-byes.
What's the difference between bowling average and economy rate?
Bowling average measures runs conceded per wicket (wicket-taking efficiency), while economy rate measures runs conceded per over (run containment). Average is more important in Test cricket, while economy rate is crucial in T20s. Both are important in ODI cricket for evaluating a bowler's overall effectiveness.
Who has the best bowling average in cricket history?
In Test cricket, several bowlers have averages under 21, including Malcolm Marshall (20.94), Dale Steyn (22.95), and Richard Hadlee (22.29). In ODI cricket, Joel Garner has an exceptional average of 18.84. In T20 internationals, several bowlers maintain averages in the low 20s.
Does bowling position affect bowling average?
Yes. Opening bowlers often face the best batsmen with a new ball, which can affect their average. Death bowlers in limited-overs cricket typically have higher averages as they bowl when batsmen attack. Spin bowlers in the middle overs may have better averages as they exploit tired batsmen and deteriorating pitches.
Can tail-end wickets inflate bowling statistics?
Yes, dismissing lower-order batsmen (numbers 8-11) who are typically weaker can artificially improve a bowler's average. This is why analysts often look at wickets of top-order batsmen separately. The best bowlers consistently dismiss quality batsmen, not just tail-enders.
How many wickets are needed for a meaningful bowling average?
Generally, at least 20-30 wickets are needed before a bowling average becomes statistically meaningful. For international cricket, bowlers are typically evaluated after 20-30 matches. Small sample sizes can produce misleading averages—a bowler with 5 wickets for 80 runs (average 16) hasn't proven consistency.
What if a bowler hasn't taken any wickets?
If a bowler has conceded runs but taken no wickets, their bowling average is technically infinite (or undefined). This situation occurs with new bowlers or those having a wicketless spell. The average can only be calculated once at least one wicket is taken.
How do pitch conditions affect bowling average?
Pitch conditions significantly impact bowling averages. Green, seaming pitches favor pace bowlers and lower their averages. Dry, dusty pitches assist spin bowlers. Flat, batting-friendly pitches inflate bowling averages. When comparing bowlers, consider home vs. away averages and the conditions they typically bowl in.
Is a low bowling average always good?
Generally yes, but context matters. In T20 cricket, a bowler with an average of 20 but an economy rate of 10 may be less valuable than one with an average of 25 and economy of 7, as containing runs is crucial. The best bowlers balance low average with good economy and strike rate across all formats.
Usage of this Calculator
Practical applications and real-world context
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Cricket BowlersTrack your wicket-taking efficiency across seasons, formats, and competitions to identify areas for improvement.
Coaches & SelectorsEvaluate bowler performance objectively when making team selection decisions or planning bowling strategies.
Cricket AnalystsAnalyze bowler statistics for commentary, articles, or fantasy cricket team selection.
Cricket FansBetter understand bowler performance and compare bowlers across different eras and formats.
Limitations & When It May Be Misleading
Tail-End Wickets: Bowlers who frequently dismiss lower-order batsmen (numbers 8-11) can have artificially low averages. These wickets are easier to obtain than dismissing top-order batsmen.
Small Sample Size: Averages based on fewer than 20-30 wickets can be highly volatile. A few good or bad performances can skew the average significantly.
Ignores Economy: In limited-overs cricket, a bowler with a low average but high economy rate (conceding many runs) may be less valuable than one with a slightly higher average but excellent economy.
Opposition Quality: Bowling average doesn't distinguish between wickets against strong vs. weak batting lineups. A bowler with a low average against weak teams may struggle against quality opposition.
Real-World Examples
Example A: Test Match Specialist
A pace bowler concedes 1,200 runs and takes 55 wickets in 15 Test matches. Average = 1200 / 55 = 21.82. This is world-class for Test cricket, indicating exceptional wicket-taking ability and control. Such a bowler would be a key strike weapon for their team.
Example B: T20 Death Bowler
A T20 specialist concedes 600 runs and takes 25 wickets in 30 matches. Average = 600 / 25 = 24.00. While this is a good average, if their economy rate is 8.5 (acceptable for death overs), they're valuable despite the moderate average, as death bowling is the hardest role.
Example C: Spin Bowler in Favorable Conditions
A spin bowler playing primarily at home on turning pitches concedes 800 runs and takes 50 wickets. Average = 800 / 50 = 16.00. While this appears exceptional, it's important to check their away average—if it's significantly higher (e.g., 35), they may be pitch-dependent.
Summary
The Bowling Average Calculator measures a cricket bowler's efficiency by calculating the average runs conceded per wicket taken.
It is one of the most important metrics in cricket for evaluating bowling performance across all formats.
Use this tool to track your progress, compare bowlers, and make informed decisions about team selection and bowling strategies.
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Calculate cricket bowling average from total runs conceded and wickets taken.
How to use Bowling Average Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Bowling Average Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
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Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Bowling Average Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Bowling Average Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Bowling Average Calculator free to use?
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Are the results from Bowling Average Calculator accurate?
Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.