In this study, 3,767 balls bowled by international-level fast bowlers
across two One-Day International (ODI) tournaments were analysed
to determine how to effectively bowl during the “death” phase of
an innings (final 10 overs). The results of chi-squared analyses
revealed that bowling length, bowling line, batter quality and having
wickets in hand were all associated with the concession of runs
during the death phase (all p < 0.001). Specifically, the yorker length
is revealed to be very effective at restricting runs conceded,
whereas the opposite is true for the half-volley and full-toss lengths.
The batting side having five or more wickets in hand results in
greater than expected runs being scored during the death phase.
Furthermore, the results reveal that middle order batters score
more runs than their tail-ender team-mates during this death
phase, suggesting that middle-order batters have to assume the
role of “finishers”. From a practical perspective, the results of this
study clearly identify areas bowlers can target to constrict the
scoring of runs as well as areas they should avoid. Batting strategies
in the death phase should consist maintaining five or more wickets
in hand and thereby not exposing tail-enders to the bowling
attack.