LIONS then DAYLIGHT
Banned
An interesting trend - Australia don't win test matchs bowling first.
I have long believed that Australia's fortunes in test cricket are heavily influenced by the toss, and whether we bat or bowl first.
This only applies to the period since Warne and McGrath retired - as before they left it didn't matter what we did.
However, since that period a very concerning trend has emerged.
Here are the numbers. (since 01 Feb 2007 - test matchs only)
Australia - Batting first
Played: 22
Won: 15
Lost: 3
Draw: 3
Percentage Won: 83%
When a result occurs, Australia wins 83% of the time.
The only 3 losses were recorded against SA, at Perth, the MCG and Cape Town.
Australia Bowling first
Played: 11
Won: 2
Lost: 5
Draw: 4
Percentage Won (when a result occurs): 29%
This is a worry, basically our fortunes are strongly dictated by the toss. Why? I think it's because when we bat first, we more often then not post a strong total, 400+. Batting first we average 46.4 runs per a wicket, batting second we average 41.91 per a wicket.
Posting a strong total gives something for our bowlers to bowl at, scoreboard pressure. However, without a safety net of 400+ runs behind us we struggle to dismiss teams for a reasonable score, as evidenced by the fact we have more draws batting second.
Discuss?
I have long believed that Australia's fortunes in test cricket are heavily influenced by the toss, and whether we bat or bowl first.
This only applies to the period since Warne and McGrath retired - as before they left it didn't matter what we did.
However, since that period a very concerning trend has emerged.
Here are the numbers. (since 01 Feb 2007 - test matchs only)
Australia - Batting first
Played: 22
Won: 15
Lost: 3
Draw: 3
Percentage Won: 83%
When a result occurs, Australia wins 83% of the time.
The only 3 losses were recorded against SA, at Perth, the MCG and Cape Town.
Australia Bowling first
Played: 11
Won: 2
Lost: 5
Draw: 4
Percentage Won (when a result occurs): 29%
This is a worry, basically our fortunes are strongly dictated by the toss. Why? I think it's because when we bat first, we more often then not post a strong total, 400+. Batting first we average 46.4 runs per a wicket, batting second we average 41.91 per a wicket.
Posting a strong total gives something for our bowlers to bowl at, scoreboard pressure. However, without a safety net of 400+ runs behind us we struggle to dismiss teams for a reasonable score, as evidenced by the fact we have more draws batting second.
Discuss?