About Bowling Average

Bowling average is a key statistic in cricket that measures a bowler's effectiveness. It represents the average number of runs conceded per wicket taken. A lower bowling average indicates better performance.

Formula

Bowling Average = Runs Conceded / Wickets Taken

Format-wise Good Averages

• Test Cricket: Under 25 is excellent, under 30 is very good
• ODI: Under 25 is excellent, under 30 is good
• T20: Under 20 is excellent, under 25 is good

Legendary Bowling Averages

• Malcolm Marshall (Test): 20.94
• Dale Steyn (Test): 22.95
• Glenn McGrath (Test): 21.64
• Wasim Akram (ODI): 23.52

Understanding the Metric

A bowler with an average of 25 gives away 25 runs for every wicket taken. The lower this number, the more economical and effective the bowler is at getting batsmen out.