What is the Bowling Average in Cricket?
The bowling average is one of the most fundamental statistics in cricket. It measures how many runs a bowler concedes for each wicket they take. The lower the bowling average, the more effective the bowler — because they are taking wickets while allowing fewer runs.
A bowling average of 25 means the bowler gives up, on average, 25 runs for every wicket they take. Elite fast bowlers and top spinners often maintain averages below 25 across long international careers.
⚠️ Note: Using only the term "bowling average" may cause confusion. On this page we discuss the cricket bowling average statistic — not the bowling sport (ten-pin) average. 🏏
Bowling Average Formula
The formula is straightforward:
Bowling Average = Runs Conceded ÷ Wickets Taken
For example, if a bowler has conceded 500 runs and taken 20 wickets, their bowling average is 500 ÷ 20 = 25.00.
How to Use This Bowling Average Calculator
- Enter the total runs conceded by the bowler.
- Enter the total wickets taken by the bowler (minimum 1).
- Optionally, expand Additional Stats and enter overs bowled to also calculate the economy rate and bowling strike rate.
- Optionally enter bowling speed and choose your unit system (metric km/h or imperial mph) — the calculator will show the converted speed automatically.
- Click Calculate and the tool will instantly show your bowling average, performance rating, and all derived statistics.
Common Bowling Average Values
The bowling average of a cricket bowler typically falls between 20 and 50. Here is a widely used performance interpretation:
| Bowling Average | Performance Level |
|---|---|
| < 20 | 🌟 Extraordinary — world-class elite bowler |
| 20 – 25 | ⭐ Excellent — consistently takes wickets cheaply |
| 25 – 30 | ✅ Good — reliable wicket-taker |
| 30 – 35 | 📊 Average — solid contributor to the team |
| 35 – 40 | ⚠️ Below Average — used situationally |
| > 40 | 🔴 Minimal — likely selected for batting |
A higher bowling average does not necessarily make a player bad — many cricketers are selected primarily for their batting ability and may have high bowling averages as part-time bowlers.
Other Helpful Cricket Statistics
In addition to the bowling average, you may also find these cricket statistics useful:
- Economy Rate — Runs conceded per over (Runs ÷ Overs). A lower economy rate means the bowler is harder to score off. In T20 cricket, an economy rate below 7 is considered very good.
- Bowling Strike Rate — Balls bowled per wicket taken (Balls ÷ Wickets). A lower strike rate means the bowler takes wickets more frequently. Elite bowlers have strike rates below 40.
- Net Run Rate (NRR) — A team performance metric used in tournament standings. It compares the runs scored per over against runs conceded per over.
- Batting Average — The batting counterpart: total runs scored divided by times dismissed.
Measurement Systems
This calculator supports both metric and imperial unit systems for bowling speed:
- Metric: speed in km/h (kilometres per hour). Most common internationally.
- Imperial: speed in mph (miles per hour). Used in the USA, UK, and some Commonwealth nations.
Enter your speed in either system and the calculator will automatically display the converted value. For reference, a fast bowler typically bowls at 140–150 km/h (87–93 mph).
Cricket Pitch Dimensions
The standard cricket pitch between the two sets of stumps is:
- Metric: 20.12 metres
- Imperial: 22 yards (66 feet)