Bowling
How to Calculate Cricket Bowling Average and Strike Rate
Master the two primary wicket-taking efficiency statistics in cricket: bowling average (cost per wicket) and bowling strike rate (balls per wicket).
Key Takeaways
- Bowling Average = Total Runs Conceded / Total Wickets Taken (lower is superior).
- Bowling Strike Rate = Legal Balls Bowled / Total Wickets Taken (frequency of dismissals).
- Run outs do not credit the bowler with a wicket.
- In Test cricket history, an average below 25.00 is considered the benchmark of greatness.
Mathematical Formulation
Bowling Average = Runs / Wickets | Bowling SR = Balls / Wickets
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Scenario: A fast bowler bowls 24 overs (144 balls), concedes 60 runs, and captures 4 wickets.
- Step 1: Bowling Average = 60 / 4 = 15.00 runs per wicket.
- Step 2: Bowling Strike Rate = 144 / 4 = 36.0 balls per wicket (1 wicket every 6.0 overs).
- Step 3:
Verified Result: Average = 15.00; Strike Rate = 36.0.
Interactive Practical Tool
Calculate your own match scenarios instantly with our free, browser-based Bowling Average Calculator.
Open Bowling Average Calculator →
Advertisement
Ethical, non-intrusive ad space reserved for approved network partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is bowling average undefined with 0 wickets?
Because division by zero is mathematically impossible. A bowler with figures of 0/45 has no average until they dismiss their first batter.