This is a follow-up to the article that was published recently, which featured a method of measuring and comparing performances in one-day international cricket over the years. It also provided a list of the top batsmen according to this method, led by Viv Richards of West Indies. This article will focus on the bowling rankings and top all-rounders, and will assemble a possible best-ever team based on these statistics.
The metrics used to measure performance are Batting Impact (BtI) and Bowling Impact (BwI). BtI is derived by multiplying a player’s career batting average with their scoring rate per 100 balls, while BwI is calculated using the bowling average and economy rate. This comparison is limited to ODI matches between the nine main Test-playing countries.
The following are the top performing bowlers and their BwI scores alongside their career bowling average and economy rate: Joel Garner (WI 1977-1987) 35.3, Saeed Ajmal (PAK 2008-2015) 37.7, Richard Hadlee (NZ 1973-1990) 38.2, Shane Bond (NZ 2002-08) 38.4, Michael Holding (WI 1976-87) 38.8, Jasprit Bumrah (IND 2016- ) 39.0, Glenn McGrath (AUS 1993-2007) 39.0, Shaun Pollock (SA 1996-2008) 39.1, Andy Roberts (WI 1975-83) 39.3, Curtly Ambrose (WI 1988-2000) 39.4.
The article goes on to discuss the top all-rounders and their career performances, highlighting players with the highest positive gap between their Batting and Bowling Impact scores. Finally, it assembles a best all-time XI based on the top performers at each position in the batting order.