Dynamic programming in cricket: optimizing batting order for a sticky wicket

J M Norman () and S R Clarke
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J M Norman: University of Sheffield
S R Clarke: Swinburne University

Journal of the Operational Research Society, 2007, vol. 58, issue 12, 1678-1682

Abstract: Abstract In cricket, a rain-affected pitch can make batting more difficult than normal. Several other conditions such as poor light or an initially lively pitch, may also result in difficulties for the batsmen. In this note, we refer to all of them as ‘sticky wickets’. On sticky wickets, lower order batsmen are often sent into ‘hold the fort’ until conditions improve. In this paper, a stochastic dynamic programming model is used to examine the appropriateness of this policy. The model suggests that the tactic is often optimal when the sticky wicket persists until the end of the day's play, but not often when the sticky wicket is transitory. In some circumstances, it is worthwhile, on a normal wicket near the end of the day, to send in a lower order batsman to hold the fort (a night watchman): when the wicket is sticky, this tactic is even more worthwhile.

Keywords: sports; cricket; dynamic programming; strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602309

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