Tuesday, 17th February 2009, 09H00

An Introduction

The Standard Bank Rankings is the newest benchmark in the game, a statistic that for the first time combines all aspects of a player’s game and gives him a ranking in relation to his peers.

The Standard Bank Rankings is unique in sports statistics. It is an evaluation of the players, designed by the players. It is their game, it is their statistic.

Here is a bit of background information on the formula used to evaluate a player’s on-field performance:
A player’s overall individual performance

In 2006 an extensive review of all player-performance related statistics in the game was done. The results highlighted that cricket statistics are:

* Too focused on individual elements of the game – averages, run rates, wickets taken.
* Not clear and not relevant to all cricket – ICC rankings and other international stats.
* Not reflective of a player’s total contribution to his team.

Cricket is a game that requires players to be skilled at multiple disciplines. To take wickets, to score runs, to take catches, to affect run outs. The value to a side of a genuine all-rounder cannot be underestimated.

The Standard Bank Rankings are calculated by combining a player’s overall individual performances.
How was it designed?

In designing the Standard Bank rankings formula, the following steps were taken:

* An overview of existing player related statistics – strengths and limitations.
* The engagement of a cross section of players to design an outline the rankings concept and its objectives.
* The initial design of a formula to process a player’s contribution to any match.
* The imputing of the first half of the season’s scores.
* A mid-season review with 10 current players and a refinement of the formula.
* The completion of the 2006 domestic season’s results.
* An end of season review – focusing on comparisons of performances.

Current, past first-class and international cricketers have been involved at every step of the design process. 100’s of hours have been invested in the design and development of the ratings formula. It is truly reflective of the players’ view of the game.

SACA will hold a similar review of the formula after every season in consultation with players and decide on any changes that are deemed necessary to improve the formula.
The Formula

The Standard Bank Rankings is a cumulative points system that rewards players for every run scored, every wicket taken and every catch held – and, how well they do it.

A player achieves bonus points based in certain criteria. An overview of the formula is set out below:
Batting + Bowling + Fielding + Captaincy + Winning = Total Standard Bank Rankings points
Batting:

* The basis of the batting points take into account runs scored, the rate scored at and the % of the team’s total.

Batting bonus points are achieved for:

* Reaching milestones such as 50’s and 100’s
* Achieving a benchmark run-rate
* Scoring over 30% of a team’s runs

Bowling:

* The basis for the bowling points take into account the number of wickets and economy rates.
* Bowlers achieve higher points for getting out higher order batsmen.

Bowling bonus points are achieved for:

* Achieving a benchmark economy rate.
* Taking 5 or more wickets in an innings.
* Bowling maidens

Fielding:
Points are accumulated for:

* Catches
* Run outs – direct hits
* Run outs – assists
* Stumpings
* Bonus for 5 fielding dismissals in an innings

Captaincy:

* A captain of a winning side will receive a points bonus

Winning teams:

* All members of a winning team receive a points bonus.

Source: Standardbankcricket