Using a ball-by-ball database of 2019 ODIs, I’ve looked at boundary hitting through the innings. This was to refresh my ODI model, which was based on how people batted in 2011.
Key findings:
- First 10 over powerplay: 10% of balls hit for four, c.2% sixes. Just two fielders outside the ring.
- Middle overs 10 – 40: c. 8% balls hit for four, c. 2% sixes. Four fielders outside the ring limits boundary options. Keeping wickets in hand mean batsmen don’t risk hitting over the top, though if wickets in hand the six hitting rate starts to pick up from the 30th over.
- Overs 40-45: Six hitting reaches 5%. No increase in the number of fours: five boundary riders give bowlers plenty of cover.
- Overs 46-50: Boundary rate c.18% with boundaries of both types picking up.
These probabilities have been added to the model, which now makes some sense and isn’t claiming a 6% chance England score 500!
An early view of what the model thinks for Thursday’s Cricket World Cup opener – if England bat first 342 is par. 69% chance England get to 300, 20% chance of England getting to 400. I can believe that, it is The Oval after all.
Red Ball Data 