5 Bowlers With Worst Career Economy Rate in Test Cricket
Detailed anaysis of the bowlers with worst career economy rates in Test cricket, revealing the challenges they faced in restricting runs during their careers.
In the world of Test cricket, the economy rate is a critical measure of a bowler’s ability to restrict runs while applying pressure on the opposition. While many bowlers are celebrated for their wicket-taking ability and aggression, others struggle with maintaining a low economy rate, often conceding more runs than expected. In this article, we dive deep into the five bowlers who have recorded the worst career economy rates in Test cricket history. These bowlers, despite their significant careers, had to battle the challenge of giving away runs at a higher rate.
List of Bowlers With the Worst Career Economy Rate in Test Cricket
Here is the list of five bowlers who have the worst career economy rates in Test cricket:
| Player | Span | Matches | Inns | Balls | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4s | 5s | 10s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shahadat Hossain (BAN) | 2005-2015 | 38 | 60 | 5380 | 896.4 | 92 | 3731 | 72 | 6/27 | 51.81 | 4.16 | 74.72 | 2 | 4 | – |
| RP Singh (IND) | 2006-2011 | 14 | 25 | 2534 | 422.2 | 59 | 1682 | 40 | 5/59 | 42.05 | 3.98 | 63.35 | 3 | 1 | – |
| Rubel Hossain (BAN) | 2009-2020 | 27 | 44 | 4223 | 703.5 | 73 | 2764 | 36 | 5/166 | 76.77 | 3.92 | 117.30 | – | 1 | – |
| PVD Chameera (SL) | 2015-2021 | 12 | 21 | 2022 | 337 | 28 | 1321 | 32 | 5/47 | 41.28 | 3.91 | 63.18 | 1 | 1 | – |
| FH Edwards (WI) | 2003-2012 | 55 | 97 | 9602 | 1600.2 | 183 | 6249 | 165 | 7/87 | 37.87 | 3.90 | 58.19 | 3 | 12 | – |
Bowlers With Worst Career Economy Rate in Test Cricket in Detail
1. Shahadat Hossain (Bangladesh)
Shahadat Hossain, a fast bowler from Bangladesh, played from 2005 to 2015. With an economy rate of 4.16, he holds the highest economy rate among these bowlers. Despite being a key player for Bangladesh, Hossain struggled with consistency in his line and length, often conceding runs quickly. His aggressive approach was sometimes his downfall, leading to higher runs per over. His wicket-taking ability, however, was still commendable with 72 wickets from 38 matches.
2. RP Singh (India)
RP Singh, who represented India from 2006 to 2011, had an economy rate of 3.98 in Test cricket. Known for his swinging deliveries and ability to take key wickets, Singh’s economy rate indicates that he often leaked runs during his spells. In 14 matches, he claimed 40 wickets, but struggled with controlling the scoring rate. Singh’s best bowling performance of 5/59 stands as one of his career highlights.
3. Rubel Hossain (Bangladesh)
Another Bangladeshi bowler, Rubel Hossain, had a career economy rate of 3.92 over 27 matches. Despite delivering solid performances throughout his career, Rubel faced difficulties in maintaining a tight economy rate. His inconsistency in delivering dot balls allowed the opposition to score freely, especially in long spells. He took 36 wickets in 44 innings, and his best bowling figures were 5/166.
4. PVD Chameera (Sri Lanka)
PVD Chameera, representing Sri Lanka from 2015 to 2021, had an economy rate of 3.91. Although Chameera’s pace and bounce were his key strengths, his inability to control runs was evident in his career statistics. In 12 Test matches, Chameera took 32 wickets, but his economy rate reflects that he often allowed runs to flow too freely. His best bowling figure was 5/47, a standout performance in an otherwise challenging career in terms of economy.
5. FH Edwards (West Indies)
FH Edwards, one of the most experienced bowlers on this list, played 55 Test matches between 2003 and 2012. Despite taking 165 wickets, Edwards’ economy rate of 3.90 shows that even his impressive wicket-taking ability could not always compensate for the runs he conceded. His career was filled with ups and downs, particularly when playing in flatter conditions, where restricting runs was a challenge. Edwards’ best bowling figure was 7/87, a memorable performance in his Test career.
Conclusion
The bowlers listed above, despite their undeniable talents and significant careers, faced challenges in maintaining a low economy rate throughout their time in Test cricket. While they excelled at taking wickets, they often gave away runs at a higher rate, particularly in longer formats. Their careers emphasize the importance of not just taking wickets but also controlling the run flow, as both elements are crucial for success in Test cricket. These bowlers serve as a reminder that the economy rate is just as important as the ability to pick wickets in determining a bowler’s overall effectiveness.
This list of bowlers with the worst career economy rates shows that, in the world of cricket, controlling runs is as important as taking wickets, and bowlers must balance both aspects to be truly effective in Test cricket.
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