Is this the most bowling-friendly era in Test cricket post-WW2?

[ikky47]

Is this the most bowling-friendly era in Test cricket post-WW2? According to an article published on Cricinfo, 2024 is the deadliest year for bowling strike rates. If you look at the bowling averages since 2018, including 2018, 2021, and 2024, these three years have seen bowling averages under 30.

So, is this the most bowling-friendly era in Test cricket? And is this why we are seeing so many bowlers performing well now?

 

[Buffet]

we are seeing so many bowlers performing well now?

Many bowlers have done very well at home, 6 have sub 25 avg with 100 plus wickets.






But bowlers have struggled to do well away from home in the last 10 years. Only 2 have sub 25 avg.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Yes it is. Mainly because majority of the Test batsman are t20 hacks.

 

[ikky47]

Many bowlers have done very well at home, 6 have sub 25 avg with 100 plus wickets.

View attachment 149190




But bowlers have struggled to do well away from home in the last 10 years. Only 2 have sub 25 avg.

View attachment 149191

How about if the cut off was reduced to say 70 wickets? If we reduce the number slightly how many more have sub 25 away avg?

 

[IMMY69]

100pct
Bowlers not being tested for hyperextension is a definite nod towards a bowling friendly era

 

[Farabi]

1. Batters now prioritize T20 explosiveness over Test solidity, reflected in a record-high economy rate of 3.5 and faster scoring in 2024.

2. Teams like South Africa, India, and Australia produce more bowler-friendly pitches, making mammoth totals rare, with teams often struggling to cross 400, especially in South Africa. Speaking on keen observation. Someone should get data.

3. Lower-ranked teams play fewer Tests, with Pakistan scheduled for just four in 2025, limiting player development and competitiveness.

 

[Farabi]

In an parallel universe , where PCB is not a banana republic and bowlers are managed well, and pitches are more supportive, imagine the potential of a fully fit and firing lineup featuring Junaid Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza, and Shaheen Shah Afridi. The problem has never been a lack of talent—just its utilization.

 

[sweep_shot]

It is because batting quality has gone down worldwide.

Too many T20 hacks.

 

[Buffet]

How about if the cut off was reduced to say 70 wickets? If we reduce the number slightly how many more have sub 25 away avg?

Here you go with different time periods for home and away with 70 plus wickets and sub 25 avg.

Away:

• 6 bowlers in 80s.
• 5 bowlers in 90s.
• 2 bowlers in 00s
• 3 bowlers in the last 10 years

Home:

• 7 bowlers in 80s
• 12 bowlers in 90s
• 6 bowler in 00s
• 7 bowlers in the last 10 years

---------------------------------

90s bowlers had easiest time.
Second easiest time for bowlers was 80s.
Then the last 10 years.
Hardest time for bowler was 00s.

90s stands out, 12 bowlers were HTB in 90s: flip side the hardest away time for batsmen would be 90s. Data shows the same. Only 2 batsmen averaged away 50 plus in 90s ( SRT 59 and Waugh 55 , third best was 10 point lower - Lara who avg 44 )

 

[Nasty Naz]

Yes it is. Mainly because majority of the Test batsman are t20 hacks.

I am sure that's the perception but I think it's misguided. There is so much cricket nowadays that teams show up like a week before for Tests and end up playing Tests without any practice/tour matches to prepare. Cramped schedule also means players have to shift gears and format relatively quickly. For example, we just saw our players play T20's, ODI's and immediately Tests with few days in between and no practice matches to switch from white ball to Tests. Outside of the big three, there's fewer Test matches and there's also extremely long gaps between Test matches.

There's also less flat pitches than ever. Most Tests nowadays don't even last 4 days let alone go 5 days and become a draw. Players/teams themselves also want to go for wins too and play at a higher run rate to get results. Naturally, playing more shots leads to increased risks and increased chances of getting outs.

Feels like there's so many factors that has led to this.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Lot of teams have ATG bowling unit . Australia, INdia, New Zealand, England, SA as well. India has two great spin bowling forces. That is why you get this impression. These guys would bring down average in any era. You seriously think Punter who looked like deer caught in headlights in India during batting era would stand a chance against a much superior Ashwin/Jadeja?