Homer made some excellent observations about India’s overseas performance. In the period between World Cup 2003 to 2007, Away and Neutral venue averages and economy rates for all sides.
*****Correction March 3: Englands Away record should read
Average Scored: 29.3
Average Conceded: 30.5
Batting RunRate: 4.90
Bowling EconRate: 4.88
Their neutral venue record should read
Average Scored: 26.3
Average Conceded: 34.0
Batting RunRate: 4.62
Bowling EconRate: 4.98
The numbers indicate several interesting things – sides have better economy rates at neutral venues – which would probably be because most minnow matches are played at neutral venues. However, teams seem to score runs slower at neutral venue games than they do playing away. Also, India do significantly better bowling at neutral venues than they away from home. This is significant given that the World Cup will involve neutral venue games. From that point of view, the recent form of the batting, and the return of Yuvraj and Ganguly bodes well India.
