The dominance of the bat

Around the cricketing world there is clear evidence that in the contest between ball and bat it is the latter that is winning. Much the same appears to happening in Leinster cricket as the number of runs scored each weekend ratchets up. Partnership and individual performance records seem to fall at regular intervals and it is no longer uncommon to have totals of over 300 and aggregate scores of more than 600 in a day. 500 runs in an innings [as Rush knocked up in the National Cup against Dundrum] may be exceptional but 400 plus in a 60 over game is a distinct possibility.

What then do the statistics say. This year the average runs scored in OCD1 league matches is 238 per innings. This is a significant increase on the average over the past five seasons of 188. It is still early in the season but is there any reason to think that the runs scored will go down. While there hasn’t been a simple year on year increase in runs scored, like global warming the underlying trend seem clear enough.

Perhaps the performance tables for bowlers should pay more attention to the economy rate rather than the averages [runs per wicket]. Anyone managing a rate of less than 4 runs per over is doing really well. Using 30 overs bowled and a minimum economy rate of less than 5 per over, there 16 bowlers who can be counted as economic in Leinster league matches. Only two players, both spinners, are below 4 runs per over.