If you are a fan of cricket, you might have come across the term 2 for 6 or 2/6 in the scorecard or commentary. But what does it mean and how is it calculated? In this blog post, we will explain the meaning and significance of this term in cricket.
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The Meaning of 2 for 6
The term 2 for 6 or 2/6 is a shorthand notation for the bowling performance of a player in a cricket match. It means that the bowler has taken two wickets (dismissed two batsmen) and conceded six runs in the process. The first number (2) represents the number of wickets taken by the bowler, while the second number (6) represents the number of runs given by the bowler.
For example, if a bowler has the figures of 2 for 6 or 2/6, it means that he has dismissed two batsmen and given away six runs in his bowling spell. This is considered a very good performance by a bowler, as he has taken wickets at a low cost of runs.
How is 2 for 6 Calculated?
The term 2 for 6 or 2/6 is calculated by adding up the runs scored by the batsmen off the bowler’s deliveries and subtracting the runs scored by the bowler himself (if any). The number of wickets taken by the bowler is also counted and written before the slash (/) or the word “for”.
For example, if a bowler bowls four overs (24 deliveries) and takes two wickets, and the batsmen score eight runs off his bowling, his figures will be 2 for 8 or 2/8. However, if the bowler also scores four runs with his bat, his figures will be adjusted to 2 for 4 or 2/4, as his own runs are deducted from the total runs conceded.
Why is 2 for 6 Important?
The term 2 for 6 or 2/6 is important because it indicates how effective and economical a bowler has been in a cricket match. A low number of runs conceded and a high number of wickets taken are desirable for any bowler, as they help to restrict the opposition’s score and increase the chances of winning the match.
A good way to measure the bowling performance of a player is to look at his bowling average and bowling strike rate. The bowling average is calculated by dividing the total number of runs conceded by the total number of wickets taken. The lower the bowling average, the better the bowler. The bowling strike rate is calculated by dividing the total number of balls bowled by the total number of wickets taken. The lower the bowling strike rate, the faster the bowler takes wickets.
For example, if a bowler has taken two wickets and given away six runs in six overs (36 balls), his bowling average will be 3 (6/2) and his bowling strike rate will be 18 (36/2). These are excellent figures for any bowler, as they show that he has been very efficient and effective in taking wickets and saving runs.
Examples of 2 for 6
Here are some examples of famous bowling performances that have achieved the figures of 2 for 6 or 2/6 in international cricket:
- In the first Test match between India and Australia in Adelaide in December 2018, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah took two wickets and conceded six runs in his first spell of six overs. He dismissed Aaron Finch and Marcus Harris with brilliant deliveries that swung and seamed in to hit their stumps. He finished with figures of 3 for 47 in the first innings and helped India win the match by 31 runs.
- In the third T20I match between India and Australia in Sydney in December 2020, Australian spinner Adam Zampa took two wickets and gave away six runs in his four overs. He dismissed Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer with clever variations of pace and spin. He finished with figures of 2 for 6 in the match and helped Australia win by 12 runs.
- In the final match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup between Australia and India in Melbourne in March 2020, Australian medium-pacer Megan Schutt took two wickets and leaked six runs in her four overs. She dismissed Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues with accurate deliveries that moved away from them. She finished with figures of 4 for 18 in the match and helped Australia win by 85 runs.
Conclusion
The term 2 for 6 or 2/6 is a common way of expressing the bowling performance of a player in a cricket match. It means that the bowler has taken two wickets and conceded six runs in his bowling spell. It is calculated by adding up the runs scored by the batsmen off the bowler’s deliveries and subtracting the runs scored by the bowler himself (if any). It is important because it shows how effective and economical a bowler has been in taking wickets and saving runs. It is also used to calculate the bowling average and bowling strike rate of a player, which are indicators of his bowling skill and ability. Some of the best bowling performances in international cricket have achieved the figures of 2 for 6 or 2/6, which are considered very impressive and commendable.