Batting Average
Definition
Batting average measures how many runs a batter scores per dismissal. It captures reliability — how long a batter typically lasts — and complements strike rate, which captures tempo.
Formula
average = runs / outs
Cricket Interpretation
A high average means a batter is dismissed infrequently relative to runs scored. In T20, average matters less than strike rate for top-order aggression, but high average + high strike rate together is the mark of an elite T20 batter.
Required Inputs
runs— runs scored in the scopeouts— number of times dismissed in the scope
Applicable Formats & Leagues
All formats; in T20 (IPL, MLC) it is read alongside strike rate.
Sample-Size Floor
≥ 30 balls faced, consistent with other batting rate metrics. A batter with very few dismissals (e.g. one out) can post an inflated average — apply the floor and report the dismissal count.
Edge Cases
- Not-outs: an undismissed innings does not increase
outs; a batter with zero dismissals has an undefined average (report as "not yet dismissed", not infinity). - Average says nothing about scoring rate — never use it alone to judge a T20 batter.
Ranking Rule
Rank descending among floor-eligible batters. Disclose dismissal counts so readers can see small-denominator effects. Report undefined averages explicitly.
Known Limitations
- Sensitive to small numbers of dismissals.
- Ignores tempo and match context.
Example Questions
- "What is Virat Kohli's IPL 2026 batting average, and over how many innings?"
- "Which batter combines a high average with a high strike rate this season?"