Statistics don't lie
Posted: Wed Nov 02, 2016 7:05 pm
Hello all
New member here. If this topic has been covered please could you add to the thread admin? Many thanks.
I'd like to initiate discussion on the topic of statistics pertaining to the Zimbabwe TEST Team. My old economics teacher always used to say,"Don't write about what you THINK is happening, write about what the statistics are telling you." With this in mind, perhaps we should discuss the players' stats? i.e. which players are statistically more likely to make runs, and take wickets or bowl economically. I'd like to start us off but if you can add to the list that would be great! 2 heads better than 1, 4 heads better than 2, etc. Using today's line up against Sri Lanka to start (and thanking cricinfo):
Stats AND my 2 cents:
1. Mawoyo - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 163*, Ave 31.42) - Comments: Average of 31 plus as an opener isn't bad for us. Verdict: Keep him
2. Chari - (Bat: 4 tests, HS 25, Ave 6) - Comments: Brian seems to be struggling. Yes, he hasn't played many tests yet, but, at 24 and with so little cricket available is Zim, is he even ready? Verdict: One for the future - drop him - for now.
3. Masakadza (H) - (Bat: 31 Tests, HS 158, Ave 29.73) (Bowl: 14 wickets @ 31.28, Econ 2.53). Comments: Ok! This guy seems to wind a lot of people up for some reason. I'm not sure why, but with 31 tests, 4 tons under his belt and 6 x 50s, can we, with our limited resources and players be even considering dropping him? Yes, we would have all hoped that after a dashing century at 17 years of age he'd have kicked on and become a world beater, but things have happened in Zim in that time - not much of which Hami could control. And I know he's not the world's quickest bowler but his average is better than some of our bowling specialists. Verdict: With that much experience, 29 batting average and a good 7 years still to play (Pakistan had a 40 year old get a ton recently) he has to stay. Surely.
4. Ervine - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 146, Ave 29.66) - Comments: We-ell, not as good as big brother IMO, BUT capable of playing a big innings, possibly even of being the "x-factor" for Zim one day. That said, age is catching up so it'll have to happen sooner rather than later. Verdict: Solid 29 average means he has to stay - for now.
5. Williams - (Bat: 5 tests, HS 119, Ave 26.10) - Comments: Stats already telling a story here - young-ish at 26 and capable of a big innings, but only 5 tests played at 26 years old? Not enough cricket being played seems the problem here. (Bowling: 4 wickets @ 58, econ of 3.42) - Hmmm, as bowling figures go - part timer perhaps? Verdict: decent(ish) 26 average means he should probably stay.
6. Waller - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 72*, Ave 22.00) (Bowl: 8 wickets @ 21.75, Econ 2.71) - Comments: He reminds me a lot of Vusi - I WANT him to succeed, and he shows flashes of talent, maybe even brilliance, at times, but doesn't seem stubborn enough! When the batting starts collapsing he seems to "go with the flow." Is this a lack of mental strength - and could he, or should he, be working on this!? I honestly think we need more from a number 6 bat. 22 average, even for Zim, just isn't good enough. His bowling seems economical without being spectacular. Verdict: I'd say this is a position where there may be someone better. Unless he can pull off 2 big scores in the next test, drop him.
7. Moor - (Bat: 2 Tests, HS 79, Ave 39.50) - Has the best batting average in the Zim team thus far but only a couple of tests in. I honestly thought he was younger than 25, but he looks a solid bat and could possibly improve - IF he can get some more cricket. One odd thing though, he does seem susceptible to getting out cheaply in the 2nd innings - curious. Verdict: Has to stay. (Maybe do some more glove work?)
8. Cremer - (Bat: 14 Tests, HS 102*, Ave 16.12) (Bowl: 30 wickets @ 56.56, Econ 3.98). Comments: It seems he can do no wrong today! He's been knighted! Haha. In fairness the Captaincy seems to be agreeing with him. His stubborn grittiness is actually, in my humble opinion, what we really, really need. We've always been a workman-like team rather than a flashy one. Based on stats though - he probably shouldn't actually be in the team! His batting average is 16 and his bowling figures aren't impressive. This will HAVE to change. He's a bowling all-rounder so he needs to work out a new plan. Having seen him over the past couple of days I have a feeling that he will! His stats since becoming skipper show considerable improvement. Verdict: Keep him, primarily as Captain!
8. Tiripano - (Bat: 4 tests, HS 49*, Ave 25.66) (Bowl: 5 wickets @ 73.40, econ 3.08). Comments: Probably the most confusing player to analyse in today's line up! Lots of grit with the bat, in both innings - just what we're looking for, BUT - isn't he a 1st change bowler??? Can he start taking more wickets? Verdict: Open
9. Muamba - (Bat: 1 test, HS 11, Ave 11.00) (Bowl: 5 wickets @ 30.20, Econ 4.21). Comments: Too early to say, but after 1 test and 5 wickets I'd have to say he should stay. At only 21 he has years ahead of him. If he can stay injury free and get more bowling in, who knows! Verdict: Stay.
11. Mpofu - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 8, Ave 2.23) (Bowl: 23 wickets @ 44.65, Econ 3.56) Comments - Ah, the old war horse. Great chap - seems like he's been around for years. Very like-able but not mean enough to be a fast bowler!. Unfortunately, he simply isn't quick enough EITHER. Not for test cricket. Batting-wise, he is the opposite of Tiripano it seems - doesn't seem to value his wicket! Verdict: Has to go. Sadly. But lack of options prevail.
The others:
Bat:
R Chakabva (Bat: 9 tests, HS 101, Ave 29.76) - includes 1 ton and 3 x 50s
CJ Chibhabha (Bat: Tests 2, HS, 60, Ave 25.75)
E Chigumbura (Bat: Tests 14, HS 88, Ave 21.07)
S Raza (Bat: 6 Tests, HS 82, Ave 32.41)
Others?
Bowl:
T. Panyangara (Bowl: 9 Tests, 31 wickets @26.22, Econ, 2.58)
TL Chatara (Bowl: 7 tests, 20 wickets @ 29.25, Econ 2.42)
Vittori?
Other?
Final Comments:
Based on what I can see, I'd say that surely, Raza and Regis need to come in for Waller and Chari? Push the averages up, get more runs! Bowling-wise we seem to be in real trouble. Ideally I'd say get Panyangara and Chatara fit and back in - ideally. The real trouble seems to be lack of tests though. We seem to be the lepers of the world - no one will play us! Unless we start playing 3 - 5 match "test series" against people like Afghanisatn and Ireland soon, I'd say improvement is virtually impossible. Thoughts? Feel free to add names and let us know what you think!
New member here. If this topic has been covered please could you add to the thread admin? Many thanks.
I'd like to initiate discussion on the topic of statistics pertaining to the Zimbabwe TEST Team. My old economics teacher always used to say,"Don't write about what you THINK is happening, write about what the statistics are telling you." With this in mind, perhaps we should discuss the players' stats? i.e. which players are statistically more likely to make runs, and take wickets or bowl economically. I'd like to start us off but if you can add to the list that would be great! 2 heads better than 1, 4 heads better than 2, etc. Using today's line up against Sri Lanka to start (and thanking cricinfo):
Stats AND my 2 cents:
1. Mawoyo - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 163*, Ave 31.42) - Comments: Average of 31 plus as an opener isn't bad for us. Verdict: Keep him
2. Chari - (Bat: 4 tests, HS 25, Ave 6) - Comments: Brian seems to be struggling. Yes, he hasn't played many tests yet, but, at 24 and with so little cricket available is Zim, is he even ready? Verdict: One for the future - drop him - for now.
3. Masakadza (H) - (Bat: 31 Tests, HS 158, Ave 29.73) (Bowl: 14 wickets @ 31.28, Econ 2.53). Comments: Ok! This guy seems to wind a lot of people up for some reason. I'm not sure why, but with 31 tests, 4 tons under his belt and 6 x 50s, can we, with our limited resources and players be even considering dropping him? Yes, we would have all hoped that after a dashing century at 17 years of age he'd have kicked on and become a world beater, but things have happened in Zim in that time - not much of which Hami could control. And I know he's not the world's quickest bowler but his average is better than some of our bowling specialists. Verdict: With that much experience, 29 batting average and a good 7 years still to play (Pakistan had a 40 year old get a ton recently) he has to stay. Surely.
4. Ervine - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 146, Ave 29.66) - Comments: We-ell, not as good as big brother IMO, BUT capable of playing a big innings, possibly even of being the "x-factor" for Zim one day. That said, age is catching up so it'll have to happen sooner rather than later. Verdict: Solid 29 average means he has to stay - for now.
5. Williams - (Bat: 5 tests, HS 119, Ave 26.10) - Comments: Stats already telling a story here - young-ish at 26 and capable of a big innings, but only 5 tests played at 26 years old? Not enough cricket being played seems the problem here. (Bowling: 4 wickets @ 58, econ of 3.42) - Hmmm, as bowling figures go - part timer perhaps? Verdict: decent(ish) 26 average means he should probably stay.
6. Waller - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 72*, Ave 22.00) (Bowl: 8 wickets @ 21.75, Econ 2.71) - Comments: He reminds me a lot of Vusi - I WANT him to succeed, and he shows flashes of talent, maybe even brilliance, at times, but doesn't seem stubborn enough! When the batting starts collapsing he seems to "go with the flow." Is this a lack of mental strength - and could he, or should he, be working on this!? I honestly think we need more from a number 6 bat. 22 average, even for Zim, just isn't good enough. His bowling seems economical without being spectacular. Verdict: I'd say this is a position where there may be someone better. Unless he can pull off 2 big scores in the next test, drop him.
7. Moor - (Bat: 2 Tests, HS 79, Ave 39.50) - Has the best batting average in the Zim team thus far but only a couple of tests in. I honestly thought he was younger than 25, but he looks a solid bat and could possibly improve - IF he can get some more cricket. One odd thing though, he does seem susceptible to getting out cheaply in the 2nd innings - curious. Verdict: Has to stay. (Maybe do some more glove work?)
8. Cremer - (Bat: 14 Tests, HS 102*, Ave 16.12) (Bowl: 30 wickets @ 56.56, Econ 3.98). Comments: It seems he can do no wrong today! He's been knighted! Haha. In fairness the Captaincy seems to be agreeing with him. His stubborn grittiness is actually, in my humble opinion, what we really, really need. We've always been a workman-like team rather than a flashy one. Based on stats though - he probably shouldn't actually be in the team! His batting average is 16 and his bowling figures aren't impressive. This will HAVE to change. He's a bowling all-rounder so he needs to work out a new plan. Having seen him over the past couple of days I have a feeling that he will! His stats since becoming skipper show considerable improvement. Verdict: Keep him, primarily as Captain!
8. Tiripano - (Bat: 4 tests, HS 49*, Ave 25.66) (Bowl: 5 wickets @ 73.40, econ 3.08). Comments: Probably the most confusing player to analyse in today's line up! Lots of grit with the bat, in both innings - just what we're looking for, BUT - isn't he a 1st change bowler??? Can he start taking more wickets? Verdict: Open
9. Muamba - (Bat: 1 test, HS 11, Ave 11.00) (Bowl: 5 wickets @ 30.20, Econ 4.21). Comments: Too early to say, but after 1 test and 5 wickets I'd have to say he should stay. At only 21 he has years ahead of him. If he can stay injury free and get more bowling in, who knows! Verdict: Stay.
11. Mpofu - (Bat: 10 tests, HS 8, Ave 2.23) (Bowl: 23 wickets @ 44.65, Econ 3.56) Comments - Ah, the old war horse. Great chap - seems like he's been around for years. Very like-able but not mean enough to be a fast bowler!. Unfortunately, he simply isn't quick enough EITHER. Not for test cricket. Batting-wise, he is the opposite of Tiripano it seems - doesn't seem to value his wicket! Verdict: Has to go. Sadly. But lack of options prevail.
The others:
Bat:
R Chakabva (Bat: 9 tests, HS 101, Ave 29.76) - includes 1 ton and 3 x 50s
CJ Chibhabha (Bat: Tests 2, HS, 60, Ave 25.75)
E Chigumbura (Bat: Tests 14, HS 88, Ave 21.07)
S Raza (Bat: 6 Tests, HS 82, Ave 32.41)
Others?
Bowl:
T. Panyangara (Bowl: 9 Tests, 31 wickets @26.22, Econ, 2.58)
TL Chatara (Bowl: 7 tests, 20 wickets @ 29.25, Econ 2.42)
Vittori?
Other?
Final Comments:
Based on what I can see, I'd say that surely, Raza and Regis need to come in for Waller and Chari? Push the averages up, get more runs! Bowling-wise we seem to be in real trouble. Ideally I'd say get Panyangara and Chatara fit and back in - ideally. The real trouble seems to be lack of tests though. We seem to be the lepers of the world - no one will play us! Unless we start playing 3 - 5 match "test series" against people like Afghanisatn and Ireland soon, I'd say improvement is virtually impossible. Thoughts? Feel free to add names and let us know what you think!