Batting
How to Calculate Cricket Batting Average (Why Not-Outs Matter)
Understand the true mathematical definition of cricket batting average and why finish-order batters benefit from remaining not out.
Key Takeaways
- Batting average is divided by the number of times a batter is dismissed, NOT the number of innings played.
- Formula: Total Career Runs / (Innings - Not Outs).
- A batter who scores 50 runs in 5 innings but remains not out in 4 of them has a batting average of 50.00, not 10.00.
- Sir Donald Bradman's legendary Test average of 99.94 came from 6,996 runs in 80 innings with 10 not-outs (70 dismissals).
Mathematical Formulation
Batting Average = Runs Scored / Times Dismissed
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Scenario: A middle-order finisher plays 10 matches, bats in 8 innings, scores 240 runs, and is dismissed 4 times (4 not outs).
- Step 1: Identify total runs: 240.
- Step 2: Identify dismissals: 8 innings - 4 not outs = 4 dismissals.
- Step 3: Calculate average: 240 / 4 = 60.00.
⚠️ Common Pitfall: Dividing 240 by 8 innings produces 30.00, which ignores the value of wicket preservation.
Verified Result: Batting average is 60.00.
Interactive Practical Tool
Calculate your own match scenarios instantly with our free, browser-based Batting Average Calculator (Innings vs Dismissals).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average of a batter with 0 dismissals?
Statistically undefined. The record shows '-' or 'Not Out' until their first dismissal occurs.