Fast Bowlers Pose a Big Challenge in Men’s ODI World Cup 2023

As the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup unfolds, one aspect of the game is capturing everyone’s attention – the performance of fast bowlers. In the highly anticipated tournament opener between England and New Zealand at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the memories of the thrilling 2019 final at Lord’s are sure to linger.

For cricket fans worldwide, this rematch between two cricketing giants is a momentous occasion. However, beneath the surface of excitement and anticipation lies a critical factor that can shape the outcome of matches: the prowess of fast bowlers.

While both England and New Zealand boast formidable batting line-ups and possess skillful spinners, their fast bowlers are not to be underestimated. Despite the absence of Tim Southee for New Zealand in the opening match, the threat posed by Trent Boult looms large over England’s batters.

Boult’s presence brings back memories of the 2019 final at Lord’s, where he nearly trapped England’s Jason Roy lbw with a wicked inswinger. A close call by the umpire spared Roy, but it set the stage for a tense start that ultimately led to a dramatic conclusion.

Boult’s return to ODI cricket last month, following a year of playing franchise T20 leagues, was a reminder of his class in the format. Notably, he delivered an exceptional performance by claiming 5-51 at The Oval, all while Ben Stokes was blazing his way to a remarkable 182.

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Since 2022, Boult has demonstrated his prowess by securing 16 wickets during the power-play phase, where fast bowlers often excel in white-ball cricket. His partnership with right-arm pacer Matt Henry, who has captured 18 wickets in 20 matches during the same phase, equips New Zealand with a formidable new-ball pairing.

Turning our attention to India’s Mohammed Siraj, we find another fast-bowling sensation leading the charge. Siraj’s journey in international cricket had a less-than-ideal start, but since 2022, he has turned the tables. With 32 wickets in 28 games during the power-play phase, he boasts an impressive average of 16.9 and an economy rate of 4.3. Alongside the seasoned Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj has played a pivotal role in India’s resurgence during this phase of the game.

Australia enters the competition with its own new-ball strike duo, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Meanwhile, England fields an array of talented bowlers, including Chris Woakes, Reece Topley, David Willey, and Sam Curran. However, their performance in the first ten overs has been less impressive, with an average exceeding 50.

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Pakistan, too, possesses a potent new-ball weapon in Shaheen Shah Afridi, although his effectiveness diminishes after the opening over. Since 2022, Afridi has claimed only five wickets in the power-play phase.

Fast bowlers, particularly those who can deliver full-length deliveries or execute a barrage of short balls, tend to pose significant threats in the early stages of an ODI match. The new ball typically swings considerably during the first ten overs in India before settling into a more predictable trajectory.

In ODI matches since the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup, fast bowlers have consistently excelled in the power-play phase, especially when they use swing or employ short deliveries. Pacers who maintain fuller lengths have amassed 159 wickets at an average of 37 and an economy rate of 7. Good-length deliveries have accounted for 285 wickets at an average of 24.8 and an economy rate of 3.6, while back-of-length deliveries have yielded 108 scalps at an average of 39.4 and an economy rate of 5.6.

In comparison, spinners have found it challenging to make an impact during the initial power-play. Deliveries on a good length have resulted in 65 wickets at an average of 23.5 and an economy rate of 3.9. Fuller length deliveries have contributed to only eight wickets, with an average rising to 63.5 and an economy rate of 5.5.

As matches progress into the middle overs, a phase considered demanding for fast bowlers, good-length deliveries (316 wickets, average of 32.9, and economy rate of 4.2) and well-executed yorkers (20 wickets, average of 16.4, and economy rate of 4.3) become pivotal. However, teams also favor high-pace enforcers during this period.

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The scenario remains consistent during the death overs, where yorkers are a prized asset for fast bowlers, accounting for 45 wickets at an average of 12.3 and an economy rate of 5. Although pacers tend to concede more runs (economy rate of 9.2) when delivering fuller lengths in the last ten overs, this strategy has yielded 214 wickets at a striking rate of 13. For good-length deliveries in the death overs, fast bowlers have garnered 176 wickets at an average of 20.5 and an economy rate of 6.8.

Spinners have also found success, with good-length deliveries securing 648 wickets at an average of 31.3 and an economy rate of 4.6 during the middle overs. In the death overs, a phase where spinners feature more prominently than in the first ten overs, they have claimed 144 wickets at an average of 21.2 and an economy rate of 6.

Furthermore, between the last ODI World Cup and the upcoming edition, more teams have been bowled out than during any other four-year cycle of the quadrennial event. In fact, the past two years have witnessed a higher percentage of teams failing to complete their allotted 50 overs – 37.5% in 2022 and 43.94% in 2023, leading up to the World Cup.

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With the bat, host nation India boasts the highest number of 300+ totals since the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, with 17 such scores. Defending champions England and Bangladesh follow with nine each. In terms of successful chases, New Zealand leads the way with 11 totals of 275+, followed by India with 10 and Pakistan with 8.

However, the presence of dew during evening matches could add an extra layer of complexity to the game. Teams may opt to attack aggressively early on to set more formidable targets for their opponents. The challenge for fast bowlers, as well as spinners, will be to adapt to the conditions, particularly when dew is a factor.

In conclusion, fast bowlers who can make crucial breakthroughs in the first ten overs are poised to play a pivotal role in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. Recent statistics and the unique playing conditions in India suggest that these bowlers hold the key to shaping their team’s fortunes in the tournament.