Predicting the Performance of Batsmen in Test Cricket

Cricket is one of the team games played over 50 countries in different levels. Though the performance of each batsman in the team can be easily quantified, the prediction of player performance is arduous. This paper demonstrates a methodology to predict the performance of cricket batsman in test-match series. In this study, longitudinal test cricket data have been collected over five years of period. A model is developed to predict the player performance as a function of certain characteristics related to the player, the team and the match series. Due to the hierarchical nature of the collected cricket data, a three stage hierarchical linear model is proposed in this investigation. According to the outcome of the analysis, the handedness of the player (batsman) and the rank of the team significantly influence player performance. Finally, an accurate prediction of player performance is conducted using the proposed model.