INTEGER OPTIMIZATION FOR THE SELECTION OF A TWENTY20 CRICKET TEAM
by
Mark Lourens
Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Magister Scientiae
in the
Faculty of Science
at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
January 2009
Supervisor: Mr G. D. Sharp Co Supervisor: Prof. J. W. Gonsalves
Abstract
During the last few years, much effort has been devoted to measuring the ability of sport teams, as well as that of the individual players. Much research has been on the game of cricket, and the comparison, or ranking, of players according to their abilities. This study continues preceding research using an optimization approach, namely, a binary integer programme, to select an SA domestic Pro20 cricket team.
Keywords
Cricket Team selection Optimization Binary integer programming
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Acknowledgements
I would like to sincerely express my appreciation to the following:
• My Lord Jesus, Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. • My wife, Colleen, thank you for all your help, support and encouragement when it was really needed. • My supervisor, Mr. Gary Sharp, thank you for all your help, guidance and encouragement you gave through the period of this study. • My co supervisor, Prof. J. W. Gonsalves, thank you for the input contributed during my study either directly, or indirectly. • The NMMU Research Office for the financial support provided in the form of the NMMU Postgraduate Research Scholarship. • The NMMU Director of Research Capacity Development, Dr Shaleen Els, for all your support and advice. • The NRF for Grant No. TTK 2005072900024. • UTi Material Handling for the financial support, as well as allowing me the much needed study leave.
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Declaration
In accordance with Rule G4.6.3, I hereby declare that this dissertation is my own work and that it has not previously been submitted for assessment to another University or for another qualification.
Full Name: Mark Lourens
Student Number: 201337584
Qualification: Magister Scientiae in Mathematical Statistics
Signature:
Date: 18 th April 2009
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Contents
Abstract ...... i
Acknowledgements ...... ii
Declaration ...... iii
Contents ...... iv
1. Introduction ...... 1
1.1 Introduction to Cricket ...... 1
1.2 Objective ...... 4
2. Literature Review ...... 7
3. Methodology ...... 16
3.1 Introduction ...... 16
3.2 The Data ...... 16
3.3 Definition of Statistics ...... 17
3.4 Optimization – Theory and Models ...... 22
3.4.1 The Linear Programming Model ...... 22 3.4.2 The Binary Integer Programming Model ...... 23
4. The Theory behind the Models ...... 26
4.1 Model 1 – H.H. Lemmer (2002, 2004) ...... 26
4.1.1 Bowling ...... 26 4.1.2 Batting ...... 28
4.2 Model 2 – H. Gerber & G.D. Sharp (2006) ...... 31
4.3 Model 3 – M. Lourens ...... 36
5. The Results of the Models ...... 44
5.1 Model 1 – H.H. Lemmer (2002, 2004) ...... 44
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5.1.1 Bowling ...... 45 5.1.2 Batting ...... 46
5.2 Model 2 – H. Gerber & G.D. Sharp (2006) ...... 48
5.3 Model 3 – M. Lourens ...... 52
5.4 Discussion of the Results ...... 55
6. Conclusion and Further Work ...... 63
Appendices ...... 65
A. Player Statistics ...... 65
A.1 Batting Statistics ...... 65
A.2 Bowling Statistics ...... 67
A.3 Fielding Statistics ...... 69
A.4 Wicket