Batting average is one of the most important statistics in cricket, used to measure a batsman’s consistency and effectiveness over a period of time.
It provides a clear picture of how many runs a player scores per dismissal, making it a key metric for evaluating batting performance in Test, ODI, and T20 formats.
What Is Batting Average in Cricket?
Batting average = runs scored ÷ number of times dismissed.
It tells us how many runs a batter produces, on average, every time they get out. The higher the figure, the more consistently the batter scores before losing their wicket.
Formula for Batting Average
The formula for calculating batting average in cricket is:
Batting Average = Total Runs Scored / Number of Dismissals
- Total Runs Scored: The sum of all runs scored by the batsman in the innings considered.
- Number of Dismissals: The total number of times the batsman has been out (not out innings are excluded).
Step-by-Step Calculation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather the total runs scored by the batsman. |
| 2 | Count the number of times the batsman has been dismissed (not out innings are not included). |
| 3 | Divide the total runs by the number of dismissals. |
| 4 | The result is the batting average, usually expressed to two decimal places. |
Example Calculation
Suppose a batsman has scored 1,200 runs in 30 innings and has been dismissed 15 times.
- Total Runs Scored: 1,200
- Number of Dismissals: 15
- Batting Average: 1,200 ÷ 15 = 80.00
This means the batsman averages 80 runs per dismissal.
The Formula (All Formats)
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| R | Runs scored by the batter |
| D | Dismissals (times out) |
| Batting Average (BA) | R ÷ D |
Key point: Not-outs (NO) are excluded from the divisor.
Step-by-Step Calculation with a Real Example
Take Joe Root’s first 3 innings of the 2023 Ashes:
| Innings | Runs | Out? |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 118 | yes |
| 2nd | 8 | no (not out) |
| 3rd | 46 | yes |
- Runs (R) = 118 + 8 + 46 = 172
- Dismissals (D) = 2
- BA = 172 ÷ 2 = 86.00
Format-Specific Benchmarks
| Format | Excellent | Good | Average | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | > 50 | 40-49 | 30-39 | < 25 |
| ODI | > 45 | 35-44 | 25-34 | < 20 |
| T20I / T20 | > 35 | 25-34 | 18-24 | < 15 |
Live Worked Example – Virat Kohli (Tests)
(after 113 Tests, 15 Nov 2024)
- Runs: 8,912
- Dismissals: 170
- BA = 8,912 ÷ 170 = 52.42
Factors Affecting Batting Average
- Quality of Opposition: Facing strong bowling attacks can lower a player’s average, while weaker attacks may inflate it.
- Pitch and Playing Conditions: Seaming or spinning tracks make scoring harder, while flat pitches can boost averages.
- Player’s Role: Opening batsmen and middle-order players may have different averages based on their responsibilities.
- Format of the Game: Batting averages can vary between Test, ODI, and T20 cricket due to different match lengths and strategies.
Comparison with Other Metrics
| Metric | Formula | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | Runs Scored / Dismissals | Measures consistency and run-scoring ability |
| Strike Rate | (Runs Scored / Balls Faced) × 100 | Measures scoring speed |
Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Not-outs lower your average.” | They don’t—they simply aren’t counted as dismissals. |
| “A duck (0) ruins average forever.” | One 0 hurts only once; the next run scored dilutes it. |
| “Strike-rate and average are linked.” | They are separate metrics; a 20-average batter can have a 150 SR. |
Special Cases
| Scenario | How to Handle |
|---|---|
| Batter retires hurt and returns later | Still counts as one dismissal only if out later. |
| Batter absent hurt (never bats) | 0 runs, 0 dismissals → no effect on average. |
| Batter is 0* (0 not out) | 0 runs added, 0 dismissals → no change. |
8. Excel / Sheets Formula
=SUM(runs_range) / COUNTIF(out_range,"yes")Label “out_range” with “yes” for dismissed innings, “no” for not-outs.
Key Takeaways
- Batting average = Runs ÷ Dismissals—never divide by innings.
- Not-outs are ignored in the divisor, rewarding unbeaten knocks.
- Context matters: 52 is world-class in Tests, only decent in T20s.
- Use the simple formula above to track any player from school cricket to the IPL.
Master this metric and you can instantly judge who’s truly anchoring the innings and who’s just hitting and hoping.