Dale Steyn vs Pakistan in the UAE - Statistically Insignificant or Major Failing?

[smash84]

 

[Spark]

Yeah I know that small sample sizes distort things but it's a bit much to just say average of 45 + some luck = average of 22, not least because it assumes without evidence that Steyn was unusually unlucky in that series.

 

[Outswinger123]

Really??

This Steyn guy must be darn good if nit picking of such proportions are attempted

 

[Dan]

This Steyn guy must be darn good if nit picking of such proportions are attempted

Can tell you're new to CW. This, comparatively speaking, is minor stats picking.

Welcome, enjoy your stay

 

[weldone]

Two Tests is far too few. Imagine if Steyn sent down 500 balls over the course of two hypothetical Tests, and took only 10 wickets at an SR of 50 and with his economy rate of 3.5, at an average of just under 30. Imagine that he had a catch dropped, a close lbw shout not given (although it was out) and an inswinger that beat the batsman and missed off stump by two millimeters.

In this example, with a tiny bit of extra luck he could have had 13 wickets, an SR of 38 and am average of 22 (more like his real life stats). Fluctuations of luck occur like this all the time, and the smaller the sample size the greater the effect.

If he'd been smashed for 6 an over and took no wickets then maybe that could be considered a failing, otherwise it falls within the margin of error IMO.

Great post!