In an earlier article, we had looked at who are currently the best spin bowlers in International Cricket. In this article, we attempt to answer a similar question, that is which batsmen currently are the best players of spin bowling.
For this analysis, we look at all the Test matches and ODIs played from year 2011 onwards. To ensure that we have a reasonable sample size for each batsman, we look at those who have faced at least 480 deliveries from spinners in Test matches, and at least 360 deliveries from spinners in ODIs. As we have done in our previous analyses, we look at the strike rate versus batting average matrix of the eligible players. The red lines in the matrix correspond to the overall average of the strike rate and the batting average.
First, let us look at the matrix for Test matches:
Batsmen against spinners in Tests, 2011-2013
The players that are of interest to us are those in the top-right corner of the matrix. In particular, those batsmen for which no other batsman has a better performance in terms of both strike rate and batting average. The two batsmen who satisfy this criteria are: Kevin Pietersen and MS Dhoni. Just missing the cut are Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Younis Khan and AB de Villers.
Next, let us look at the matrix for the ODIs:
Batsmen against spinners in ODIs, 2011-2013
The players in the top-right corner of the matrix who satisfy the above mentioned criteria are: AB de Villers, Shane Watson and Hashim Amla. Just missing the cut are Michael Clarke and MS Dhoni.
Based on the analysis of the strike rate versus batting average matrix alone, it is safe to say that AB de Villers is among the best players of the spin bowling today in both the ODI as well as the Test format. However, he has a contrasting approach to spin bowling in the two formats. In Tests, he has an outstanding batting average exceeding 90 against spinners, but a more circumspect strike rate that is near the average. On the other hand, in one-day format, he plays spinners more aggressively, scoring at a pace of more than run a ball against them, but has a relatively lower (but still very solid) batting average of around 50.
If batting average were the sole criteria, then MS Dhoni would win the contest hands down. His batting average against spinners year 2011 onwards is more than 90 in Tests, and exceeds 100 in ODIs. If you want to get a set Dhoni out in a Cricket match, then the last bowler in your team you should approach is a spinner.