Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

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Nitesh Verma November 11, 2013 18 Mike was the best batsman in the Club Acme cricket team. The probability of Club Acmes winning a match was higher when he batted well and scored more runs. His batting form had been declining the past few months, however, affecting the teams win percentage and revenues. Improving Mikes consistency with the bat would help the team win more matches. The team hired a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt to analyze the factors affecting Mikes batting and develop an improvement plan. A project team was formed with the chief batting coach as the project leader. Batting average: Total number of runs scored by a batsman divided by the number of times he has been dismissed. Bowled: One of the ways in which a batsman can be dismissed; the batsman is dismissed when the ball hits the wickets while he attempts to play the ball. Bowler: Player who delivers ball to opposing teams batsmen; may be right- or left-armed. The average number of runs scored by Mike per inning was 32.5 for the last 50 matches (January 2011 to December 2011) compared to his benchmarked 40 runs per inning. This lowered number of runs negatively affected Club Acmes match results; the team won only 36 percent of the matches they played in the same timeframe. (See Figure 1.) Caught behind: A catch taken by the wicket-keeper or the fielders in the slip (standing behind the batting wicket) that results in the dismissal of the batsman. Caught (outfield): A catch taken by a fielder (other than the wicket-keeper, fielders in the slip and the bowler himself) that results in the dismissal of the batsman. Crease: The batting zone. Dismissal: When a batsman is dismissed, he cannot continue batting any further in the same inning. Inning: Each teams turn to bat or bowl is called one inning. In a one-day game, each inning consists of a maximum 50 overs where one team bats while the other bowls. Keeper (wicket-keeper): Fielder standing behind the batsman to catch or stop the ball. LBW (leg before wicket): The batsman is adjudged out if he is hit by the ball before taking his shot. Over: Six legal deliveries by a bowler makes one over. Pitch: The main strip of playing area, often short grass. Run out: The batsman is adjudged out when a member of the fielding team hits the wickets with the ball when the batsman is outside the crease while attempting to take a run. Seam bowler: A bowler who usually bowls fast (speed of 120 kilometers per hour or more). Slip fielder: See keeper. Spinner: Slow bowlers who spin the ball using their wrist or fingers. Stance: Posture of the batsman while batting on the cricket pitch. A batsman usually uses a closed stance (the front shoulder pointing toward the bowler while batting) or an open stance (the batsman standing at a slightly wider angle compared to the closed stance). Strike rate: Number of runs scored by a batsman per 100 deliveries. Stump: Wicket used.

Cricket: Description and Glossary

Cricket is one of the worlds most popular games. It is played between two teams of 11 players. In a one-day cricket game, each team is allowed to bat for a maximum of 50 overs and the team scoring more runs is declared the winner. Each team has a combination of batsmen (players who score the runs), bowlers (players who deliver the ball to the batsmen from the opposing team) and a wicket-keeper.

Problem Statement

Process Capability
Forty runs in a completed inning was the benchmark and set as the lower specification limit (LSL) for assessing process capability. Any complete innings in which Mike scored fewer than 40 runs was considered a defect. Mike played 50 matches in 2011 and as he usually batted at the top of the batting order, he was dismissed in all 50 matches. He scored more than 40 runs in only 14 out of 50 innings.

Figure 1: Run Chart of Runs

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

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Table 1: Batting Statistics for Mike in 2011 Innings played (N) 50

Defects (< 40 runs)

36

Mean

32.52

Median

15

Standard deviation

39.47

DPMO (defects per million opportunities)

720,000

Sigma (Zst)

0.92

The project team determined the improvement target by using the 1-sample percent-defective test (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Summary of 1-Sample Percent Defective Test

The 1-sample percent-defective test compared Mikes current defective rate to a target of 50 percent. With a 0.05 level of significance and a calculated p-value of 0.001, the test verified statistically that Mikes current percent defective was greater than 50 percent. At a 90 percent confidence level, the true percent defective was between 59.74 percent and 82.21 percent. (The confidence interval (CI) quantifies the uncertainty associated with estimating the percent defective from the sample data.) The team concluded that if Mike scored 40 runs or more in 50 percent the matches played, it would be a statistically significant improvement.

Root Cause Analysis of Batting Performance

The team analyzed data for all of the innings in which Mike scored fewer than 40 runs. In 30 out of 36 defective innings (83 percent), Mike was dismissed for fewer than 20 runs. Once Mike crossed 20 runs, the probability of playing a longer inning was high he was dismissed only 6 times between 20 and 40 runs out of the overall 50 completed innings. Why was Mike dismissed so often before scoring 20 runs? The team used a Pareto chart to identify the dismissal types when: Mike scored fewer than 20 runs Mike scored more than 20 runs

Figure 3: Types of Dismissals for Innings with Fewer Than 20 Runs

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

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Figure 4: Types of Dismissals for Innings with More Than 20 Runs

Being caught behind was the most frequent cause for dismissal when Mike scored fewer than 20 runs: 50 percent compared to 10 percent when he scored more than 20 runs. Why was Mike getting caught by the keeper and the slip fielders so often at the start of his innings? Club Acmes statistician provided the shot data for Mike as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: Type of Stroke Relating to Type of Shot Played (Left = Type of Stroke, Right = Attacking Shot Played)

Of Mikes caught behind dismissals at the start of his innings, 67 percent occurred while he was playing attacking strokes. In particular, the attacking shots (a subset of attack strokes) that contributed most often to the caught behind dismissals were three types of high-risk shots: hooks, pulls and upper cuts. A Closer Look at the Shots

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

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The team analyzed the success of these shots played by Mike at the start of his innings and later in the games. By looking at Mikes historical strike rate, it was clear that he used to play 25 balls to score 20 runs. The team tested the success of his hook, pull and upper cut shots during the first 25 balls played by Mike in comparison to shots played after 25 balls. The strike rate for balls 26 and higher was almost double compared to the first 25 balls. Compared to 10 dismissals out of 28 attempts in the first 25 balls, Mike was dismissed just 4 times in 117 attempts after playing 25 balls.

Table 2: Shot Analysis for Mike Statistics Total shots played 0-25 Balls 28 26+ Balls 117

Number of dismissals

10

% defective

35.71%

3.42%

90% CI

(21 53)%

(1 8)%

p-value

0.000

Balls per dismissal

2.80

29.25

The conclusion from this analysis was that Mike had to avoid playing those higher-risk shots in the initial stages of his innings. Other Inputs for Batting In a brainstorming session, the project team identified the various factors related to runs being scored and created the cause-and-effect diagram shown in Figure 6. Items highlighted in red are the ones deemed to be most critical and that were investigated further.

Figure 6: Factors Related to Runs Scored

The project team did not find any difference in Mikes performance when batting first or when chasing a target. His performance on flat pitches, however, was better compared to green pitches. What was affecting Mikes batting while playing on green pitches? The batting coach suggested the team look at the type of bat Mike used and his batting position. While the type of bat used (light or heavy) did not have any measurable impact, Mike performed better on green pitches when he was not required to open the batting (bat first) and face the new ball bowlers. On green pitches, his batting average in fourth position was 52.6 compared to 12.1 when Mike opened the batting, a statistically significant difference (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Pitch Versus Batting Position

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

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The project team collected data for Mikes batting and shot selection against different types of bowlers. Shots played by Mike that did result, or could have resulted, in a dismissal were identified as false or risky and termed defective. The proportion of defective shots was contrasted against the total number of balls played against each type of bowler. As shown in Table 3 and Figure 8, there were differences among the percent defectives for different bowling types at a 0.05 level of significance (p-value: 0.000). From the analysis, it was concluded that Mike played more false or risky shots while playing left-arm seam bowlers (21.48 percent) in comparison to other bowlers such as right-arm seam bowlers and spinners.

Table 3: Bowling Style Effects on Mike Bowling Style Balls Played Defective Shots % Defective 95% CI

Right-arm seam

793

65

8.20

(6.38, 10.33)

Left-arm seam

298

64

21.48

(16.95, 26.58)

Leg spin

257

31

12.06

(8.34, 16.68)

Off spin

436

33

7.57

(5.27, 10.47)

Left-arm spin

199

26

13.07

(8.72, 18.56)

Figure 8: Percent Defective Comparison Chart

The chief batting coach analyzed video footage of Mike batting against left-arm seam bowlers. Mike played a left-arm seam with a closed stance, similar to what he used for right-arm seam bowlers. The orthodox stance blocked him before he played a shot, and he ended up playing around his front pad (protective clothing). He also kept his backswing too straight, playing across the line (moving laterally to the incoming ball) and ended up chest-on to the ball. Mike was advised to play left-arm seam with an open stance and wider back-lift. With an open stance, he could better align himself up to the incoming ball. For a wider back-lift, he had to pick his bat over the off stump or the first slip area (angle of the bat while playing the ball changes depending upon the starting position of the bat) rather than over the middle stump.

The Improvement Plan

After the analysis was complete, the project team summarized its results and made its improvement recommendations for Mike and Club Acme.

Table 4: Action Plan Root Cause Description Improvement Responsibility

Batting Style

Hooks, pulls and upper cuts were contributing to the maximum number of dismissals at the start of Mikes innings.

Mike needs to avoid playing these high-risk shots in the initial stages of his innings (the first 20 to 25 balls). Mike should be placed in fourth position in matches played on green pitches.Continuously changing the batting order based on pitch

Mike, batting coach, team captain

Pitch Conditions Mikes batting average on green pitches is significantly lower compared to his performance on flat pitches. The problem is

Team captain, batting coach

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facing the new ball at the start of his innings on conditions would negatively impact other green pitches that suit seam bowling. He does players. As Mikes batting is consistent at all well batting lower down in the order on green pitches. positions on flat pitches, Mike would bat at fourth position in all matches irrespective of pitch conditions. Bowling Style Mike tends to play more false or risky shots while facing left-arm seam bowlers. Mike needs to play left-arm seam bowlers with Mike, batting coach, team an open stance and wider back-lift. There would be mandatory left-arm net bowlers at team practice sessions. manager

Project Outcome and Benefits

The action plan recommended by the Black Belt and the project team helped improve Mikes batting consistency. He scored an average of 49.32 runs per inning in the 28 innings of the first six months of 2012 compared to his previous baseline average of 32.52 runs per inning, as shown in Figure 9. In addition, Club Acme improved its win rate to 54 percent (16 out of 28).

Figure 9: Batting Improvement Project Results

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Tags: Case Study, cricket, example, sports

Comments
Cyril
11-11-2013, 04:04

Good one! During training sessions on problem solving tools, We used to use case study of cricket. The class room was fully exited about the game and was useful in finding the root cause using 5 Why analysis & Fish bone diagram. Thanks for sharing Reply

Sebastian

11-11-2013, 18:29

did a great case! Thanks for sharing this interesting case study. Reply

Jason Jones

12-11-2013, 12:00

Love the case study! As a 6Sigma practioner and an avid cricketer, this certainly strikes all the right chords with me! Reply

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

http://www.isixsigma.com/implementation/sports/case-study-applying-six...

Manuel S.Kumar

12-11-2013, 20:14

Its amazing !! six sigma in cricket why not when things are out of control. Reply

santosh MBB

12-11-2013, 20:49

Good one.. I have a similar case study related with Golf which I will share shortly on this forum.. Reply

Katie Barry

13-11-2013, 11:17

Hi Santosh! Im happy to hear youre working on a case study related to golf you can submit it here when youre ready: http://www.isixsigma.com/submit-article/ Reply

Vijay verma

12-11-2013, 21:55

Its really interesting and well presented Reply

Shree Nanguneri

12-11-2013, 22:20

Hi Mr. Verma, Great way to showcase this as an example. I was under the impression that someone was working on a predictive model, but havent come across it. In your case study, for some reason you stopped at the recommendations without validating them. So in reality, you would need to enter the control phase after showing the breakthrough for Mike and then predicting Mikes performance batting average or performance using the critical Xs and then comparing it with the actual performance of Mike. Then you may want to look at the Standardized Residual Diagnostic Plots to validate your model. Until then, your recommended solution stays challenged at the hypothesis stage in the analyze-improve phase waiting for validation, maybe at the FMEA with the new waiting to be tested RPNs. I would be happy to assist and work with you on the remaining parts to closure, if you are interested. I can be reached at nanguneri@yahoo.com if you wish to continue this. Thanks anyhow! Good luck and keep it up as these examples may provide a better way for students to relate to these concepts. Dr. Shree Reply

shree nanguneri

13-11-2013, 13:51

Here is an example that shows the DMAIC process applied to sports, yet the customers are not quite willing to accept change [http://www.isixsigma.com/implementation/sports/roger-hart-pivotalswing-interview/?type=LINL#!] Reply

Ger Grace

15-11-2013, 12:13

All. I love the DMAIC approach and minitab tools. Having said that, I think this is a great case study but not in the way it was intended i.e. Team analysed to death what could have been identified by ASKING mike and his coach. Six sigma is at its best when all the obvious improvements have been already implemented and you want the last few %. Using lots of tools to conclude the obvious is what gives practitioners a bad name. I offer this opinion with the best of intentions. Reply

Khurram Naveed

17-11-2013, 19:26

One of the best case,studies I have seen in recent times, very refreshing, thanks for sharing.. Reply

Satyam Joshi GOOD ONE.

23-11-2013, 01:48

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Case Study: Applying Six Sigma to Cricket

http://www.isixsigma.com/implementation/sports/case-study-applying-six...

CAN BE USED FOR IMPROVING ORDER BOOKING FOR SALES TEAM. Reply

Muhammad Habibullah Excellent Analysis Reply

18-12-2013, 09:51

Puneet Gupta

18-12-2013, 09:53

Sir,,I want ask some question releted this case study.. Reply

Katie Barry

18-12-2013, 10:11

@ Puneet Gupta Please go ahead and post your questions here. Reply

Puneet Gupta

19-12-2013, 05:20

Maam, I want knowhow do apply six sigma in cricket?.Full.explain Reply

Katie Barry

19-12-2013, 08:11

@ Puneet Gupta This is the only article that iSixSigma has published specifically about applying Six Sigma to cricket. But the entire website has articles and discussions that describe how to use Six Sigma. I suggest you click around, use our Search functionality, etc. to find more information that would assist you. Reply

Nitesh Verma

19-12-2013, 21:51

@ Puneet Gupta, If this is a general query regarding tips for six sigma application, as mentioned by Katie, please refer articles and discussions in the forums. In case, there is a specific business case or problem you are referring to, kindly provide some details. Reply

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