Strike rate refers to two different
statistics in the
sport of
cricket.
Batting strike rate is a measure of how frequently a
batsman achieves the primary goal of
batting, namely scoring
runs.
Bowling strike rate is a measure of how frequently a
bowler achieves the primary goal of
bowling, namely taking
wickets (i.e. getting batsmen out).
Both strike rates are relatively new statistics, having only been invented and considered of importance after the introduction of
One Day International cricket in the 1970s.
Batting strike rate
Batting strike rate is defined for a batsman as the average number of runs scored per 100
balls faced. The higher the strike rate, the more effective a batsman is at scoring quickly.
In
Test cricket, a batsman's strike rate is of secondary relevance to his ability to score runs without getting out. This means a Test batsman's most important statistic is generally considered to be his
batting average, rather than his strike rate. However, given players of similar batting averages, the one with the higher strike rate would be considered a better batsman.
In
limited overs cricket, strike rates are of considerably more importance. Since each team only faces a limited number of balls in an innings, the faster a batsman scores, the more runs his team will be able to accumulate. Strike rates of over 150 are becoming common in
Twenty20 cricket. Strike rate or s/r as it is abbreviated to, is probably considered by most as the key factor...
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