For new readers, previous analysis revealed that: ‘most players struggle to hit a strike-rate of one-run-per ball.’ Also, that: ‘strike-rates per ball are normally calculated in proportion to runs scored per hundred balls.’ Unravelling the top ten batters is not a case of simply taking those who slogged the most runs or took the wickets in one single match. Further analysis is needed to discover those batters who score the fastest run rate as the competition progresses so that new future talent can be nurtured.
Batters with their hearts set on playing for England need to score runs quickly (strike rate); and consistently. Improving batting averages above those set by England’s players will be crucial. Wannabes might complain about not being given the chance to bat where matches end prematurely. Fair comparison of results following any round will always be difficult. Table shows that the top three players scored better than one-run-per ball.
Although Anya Shrubsole tops the table with the fastest strike-rate from three innings (1.3 runs-per-ball); England’s Amy Jones holds: A) top batting average with 282 runs from two dismissals; B) top-score 163 not out (from 114 deliveries); and C) second-fastest strike-rate (one-point-one five runs-per-ball.) Separately, Amy Jones has struck nine ‘sixes’ from three innings – more than any other player.
| Batter
(1-10) |
Average Best performances
(4 rounds) (runs from balls) |
Ave. Strike-rate
(runs per ball) |
| Anya Shrubsole | 33 61 from 41 | 1.3835 |
| Amy Jones | 141 163* from 114 | 1.1557 |
| Sarah Glenn | 29 71 from 52 | 1.1346 |
| Heather Knight | 74 90 from 88 | 0.9823 |
| Bryony Smith | 38 59 from 53 | 0.9620 |
| Sophia Dunkley | 65 104* from 93 | 0.9514 |
| Emma Lamb | 55 121 from 105 | 0.8979 |
| Lauren Winfield-Hill | 39 110 from 126 | 0.8439 |
| Danielle Wyatt | 68 64* from 88 | 0.8046 |
| Kirsty White | 26 73 from 90 | 0.7428 |
Footnote: At time of writing, data analysis cross-checked with scorecard data from ecb.co.uk
Sarah Glenn, better known for spin, is ranked third – having struck three ‘sixes,’ – the total tally of ‘sixes’ standing at 51 after 4 rounds. As fellow correspondent Bruce Perkins points out, dropping Glenn (as a bowler who can also bat) from England’s squad may turn out to be questionable
England’s skipper Heather Knight is ranked fourth, scoring at around the one-run-per-ball benchmark. Bryony Smith has a similar strike-rate – the highest rate for an uncapped player; followed by England’s Sophia Dunkley (capped) Emma Lamb (uncapped)
As the contest progresses, it might be expected that strike rates improve for uncapped players with similar strike rates, who may be destined to join the table (for example: Alice Davidson-Richards)
Summary/conclusion
As the contest progresses, it might be expected that strike rates improve for uncapped players, in the absence of front line England players facing call-up. Further analysis is needed to discover those batters who can outperform their peers so that fresh talent can be found for the England team. That is the overarching aim of this competition
