How to Calculate Bowling Average in Cricket: Simple Formula & 2025 Guide

Published on December 3, 2025

Many new fans want to learn how to calculate bowling average in cricket because it helps them understand who is truly a great bowler. A lower average means the bowler gives fewer runs for every wicket he takes. Moreover, cricket analytics in 2025 has become more advanced, but this simple stat still holds big value. Meanwhile, selectors and coaches still trust this number while deciding the playing XI.

What Bowling Average Actually Means

Also, when people talk about how to calculate bowling average in cricket, they simply mean how many runs the bowler concedes per wicket. It shows long-term consistency instead of only one lucky match. However, different formats change what a “good” average looks like. For example, in T20 cricket batters hit more aggressively than in Test cricket.

Relevance of the Metric in 2025 Cricket

In 2025, lots of new stats are coming in like PitchMaps, xW (Expected Wickets), and Match-up analysis. Furthermore, knowing how to calculate bowling average in cricket still helps normal fans judge bowlers easily without needing software. And yes, it still appears everyday on TV scoreboards and cricket fantasy apps.

Formula: How to Calculate It Easily

Now, here is the simplest way to remember how to calculate bowling average in cricket:

Bowling Average = Total Runs Conceded ÷ Total Wickets Taken

Additionally, if a bowler does not take any wicket, the result becomes undefined. Therefore, wicket-taking skill is the key. In tests, averages stay more stable since bowlers bowl more overs. In IPL and other T20 leagues, even 2–3 overs can affect the number strongly.

Table: How to Calculate Bowling Average in Cricket Example

Learning how to calculate bowling average in cricket gets easier when you see a table. So below is a very simple example for your better understanding:

Bowler Scenario	Runs Conceded	Wickets Taken	Bowling Average	What it Means
Bowler A (Test)	200	10	20.0	Great spell
Bowler B (ODI)	55	1	55.0	Too expensive
Bowler C (T20)	120	6	20.0	Very good
Bowler D	80	0	Undefined	Needs wickets urgently

Also, bowlers aim to keep this number low across a full season to stay trusted.

Format-Wise Expected Average

Players searching how to calculate bowling average in cricket usually wonder what counts as a good number. Moreover, those numbers change in different formats:

Test Cricket: Under 25 is excellent
ODI Cricket: Around 28–32 is fine
T20 Cricket: Under 25 is fantastic

Fast bowlers like Bumrah and Cummins, and spinners like Rashid Khan continue to set new standards in 2025.

What Influences Bowling Average

Understanding how to calculate bowling average in cricket is not complete until you know what affects it. Additionally, some common factors include:

Dropped catches increase runs given
Flat batting surfaces make life harder
Bowling at death overs can raise averages
Good field placements drop it down

However, a bowler with good discipline and smart variations can still keep a strong record.

Bowling Average vs Bowling Strike Rate

Many learners confuse strike rate with how to calculate bowling average in cricket. But both are very different. Meanwhile:

Bowling Average = Runs per wicket
Strike Rate = Balls per wicket

Therefore, a bowler must balance both to be a true match winner.

What Bowling Average Cannot Show

Also, even though this number is super useful, it has some limits. It doesn’t show:

How well bowler stops runs (economy rate)
Pressure-building skills with dot balls
Impact of wickets (like removing set batters)

Therefore, coaches use other stats to understand the full picture.

Why This Stat Still Rules the Game

In 2025, data is huge and sometimes too much. However, bowling average is still the first number everyone checks when judging long-term success. Moreover, it works in every level — gully cricket to ICC tournaments. Also, knowing how to use it helps fans enjoy the game more deeply.

FAQs Section

Q1. How do you figure a bowling average?

Divide the runs conceded by wickets taken, lower means better.

Q2. How is bowling score calculated?

It comes from wickets, economy, dot balls and performance depending on match format.

Q3. How to calculate average in cricket formula?

Average = Total Runs Conceded ÷ Wickets Taken.

Q4. How is bowling strike rate calculated in cricket?

Strike Rate = Total Balls Bowled ÷ Wickets Taken.