Bowling Economy and Wicket-Taking Analysis

In this lesson you will learn to calculate economy rate, the most widely used bowling figure in T20 cricket. Economy rate is the average number of runs a bowler concedes per over. Divide the runs conceded by the overs bowled. When overs are incomplete, convert them to balls first: three overs and two balls is twenty balls, which is three and one third overs. A bowler who concedes twenty-eight runs from four overs has an economy of seven. Runs scored off the bat, wides and no-balls are charged to the bowler, but byes and leg byes are not. Under standard T20 conditions each bowler may bowl a maximum of four overs.

• Economy = runs conceded ÷ overs bowled
• Convert part-overs to balls: 3.2 overs = 20 balls
• Wides and no-balls count against the bowler
• Byes and leg byes do not

In this lesson you will learn the two main wicket-taking figures. Bowling average is the number of runs conceded per wicket, calculated as runs conceded divided by wickets taken. Bowling strike rate is the number of balls bowled per wicket, calculated as balls bowled divided by wickets. Lower is better for both. A bowler with sixty runs, ninety-six balls and four wickets has an average of fifteen and a strike rate of twenty-four. Remember that run outs are not credited to the bowler, while bowled, caught, leg before wicket, stumped and hit wicket are. Small samples can make these figures jump around, so treat them carefully.

• Average = runs conceded ÷ wickets
• Strike rate = balls bowled ÷ wickets
• Lower is better for both
• Run outs are not credited to the bowler

In this lesson you will look at how bowlers build pressure. Dot-ball percentage is the share of legal deliveries from which no runs were scored. A high dot-ball percentage frustrates batters and often leads to risky shots and wickets, sometimes at the other end. Boundaries conceded per over shows how often a bowler is put away. A bowler with a modest economy but many boundaries may be bowling some excellent balls and some loose ones, which tells you consistency is the area to work on. Track extras separately too, because wides and no-balls add runs, extra deliveries and, after a front-foot no-ball, a free hit.

• High dot-ball % builds pressure and wickets
• Boundaries per over shows how often a bowler is hit
• Inconsistency shows as many dots and many boundaries
• Track extras; a front-foot no-ball brings a free hit

In this lesson you will compare bowling across the three phases of a T20 innings. Powerplay overs are hard to bowl because only two fielders may be outside the circle, so a good powerplay economy is usually higher than a good middle-overs economy. Death overs, sixteen to twenty, see batters attacking almost every ball. Always compare a bowler's economy with the typical economy for that phase in your league, not with a single overall figure. A bowler conceding nine an over at the death may be doing a fine job, while the same figure in the middle overs may be costly. This is the foundation of sensible bowling plans.

• Compare economy with the phase average
• Powerplay and death economies naturally run higher
• Middle overs usually allow tighter figures
• Phase splits shape bowling plans

In this lesson you will explore the balance between keeping runs down and taking wickets. In T20 cricket the two are linked. Wickets slow the scoring because new batters need time to settle, and pressure from dot balls produces wickets. Some bowlers are natural containers who rarely go for runs, while others are strike bowlers who take wickets but can be expensive. A captain needs both. When reviewing a bowler, ask what job they were given and whether they did it. A bowler asked to attack in the powerplay who took two wickets for thirty-five may have had a better day than their economy suggests.

• Wickets slow scoring; pressure creates wickets
• Containers and strike bowlers do different jobs
• Judge bowlers against the role they were given
• A captain needs both types

In this lesson you will practise turning bowling figures into helpful feedback. Start with what went well, such as a good dot-ball percentage or a tidy death over. Then pick one area to improve, such as reducing wides or landing the yorker more often. Link the number to a practical drill and re-measure over the coming matches. Avoid judging a bowler on one expensive over, and always consider conditions such as a short boundary, a wet ball or a flat pitch. Workload matters too, particularly for young fast bowlers, so follow the ECB's fast bowling directives and the WFA's guidance on safe bowling workloads.

• Lead with strengths, then one improvement
• Link the figure to a practical drill
• Consider conditions before judging
• Respect safe bowling workload guidance for young players