Technique or Stats, which metric is more important when it comes to selecting players for Test cricket?

When it comes to team selection, it’s hard to identify what criteria are used to make decisions on certain players. In red-ball cricket, particularly Test cricket, it’s the hardest format to pick players for.

Fans love to discuss the selection and who they think should be selected. But the information we have, particularly if you don’t watch 4-Day Cricket, is stats. But stats are not the most important metrics to look at. You have to look at technique, mentality and character too.

When looking at run-scoring stats, context is also important. Where did the batter score his runs? What were the conditions like? What type of bowlers did they face? What was the status of the game when the player came out to bat?

We discussed this topic on the Daily Show.