A PERFORMANCE PROFILE OF SUCCESSFUL ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL CRICKET TEAMS

Abstract

One day international cricket is becoming more accessible and a higher requirement is placed on generating success. Previous research has aimed at increasing awareness of individual performances however hasn’t identified key team performance trends in successful teams. This study aims to discover key areas of performance in successful one day international cricket teams. In order to achieve this, four series during the 2011-12 international season were observed and matches were scored using an NX Cricket Scorer application on iPhone. The data that was collected was analysed using a variety of non-parametric tests including chi square and a Kruskal Wallis H test in order to observe significant differences between successful and non successful sides, and to also analyse patterns and trends between variables. On the back of these tests the results that were deemed significant in successful sides were highlighted and discussed in order to allow an understanding of why they occurred and how they fitted in to key areas of successful international performance. The key findings from the study emphasised the effectiveness of spin bowlers during series and during powerplay overs, demonstrating that successful sides got more use from their spinners whilst remaining aggressive and looking for wickets. Losing teams lost more wickets during the powerplay overs showing that the successful sides tend not only to take more wickets, but also use powerplay overs as periods of stabilisation. It was found that winning teams faced less dot balls during powerplay overs which allowed them to be more dynamic in rotating the strike and not getting tied down. The findings that came from the study tended to be specific for sub-continental sides, an area for future research that came from this study would highlight whether the findings were true for each continent and whether the key areas identified were specific for successful sides in a worldwide context.