One record where Sachin is not on top!

A study jointly conducted by 2 economists Vani Boorah and John Mangan at University of Ulster and published in the Journal of quantitative analysis in sports has put Sir Don Bradman once again at cricket’s summit.

While there may be very little debate on that, what has been sensational about the study is that our very own Little Master, whom even Don had said was only next to him, features many rungs lower.
Yes, Sachin Tendulkar is not second best to Bradman at least in this quantitative study. What is interesting is he is even below the likes of Virender Sehwag and just above Vinod Kambli in the rankings and does not figure at the top in any of the parameters even among Indian batsmen.
Sachin test record

Tests	Runs	Average	100s	50s
169	13837	56.02	48	56

Sachin's ODI Record

ODIs	Runs	Average	100s	50s
442	17598	45.12	46	93

Interestingly, this is the first time an academic study has been conducted on cricket using economic formulas. The authors of the paper insist they have taken into consideration many technical aspects while doing the study and have not arrived at the conclusions merely on the basis of averages.
The key parameters include different pitches, conditions, situations and availability of technology. One more curious aspect of the study is that it was conducted several years ago and the batting records from 1877 and up to 2006 were considered. The authors felt Don was far superior to any cricketer since the inception of the game on all parameters.

Bradman career record

Tests	Runs	Average	100s	50s
52	6996	99.94	29	13

And it is not just Sachin who surprises in the study. Smashing Indian opener Virender Sehwag steals the advantage over Sachin on the basis on 'value' parameter, where he is the top Indian batsmen.
The value parameter considers scoring runs at crucial times. Viru also finishes joint 6th in the parameter which takes into account overall career contribution to team score. The Nawab of Najafgarh had announced his arrival on the big stage with a famous performance in South Africa. He never looked back then and even today can win matches single-handedly for India.

Sehwag's Test record

Tests	Runs	Average	100s	50s
79	7039	54.14	21	22

Sehwag's ODI record

ODIs	Runs	Average	100s	50s
224	7131	33.95	12	35

Ironically, Viru is not the only Indian of the Sachin era to brush shoulders with the Master Blaster. Sachin's world-record partner at school, Vinod Kambli also figures prominently in the list. Kambli finished 13th in consistency of scoring and 8th in career contribution to team score.
Kambli was at the peak of his career in when he set an Indian record for getting 2 double tons and 2 centuries in just his first seven tests although he was usually found wanting when it came to playing in seaming conditions overseas.

Kambli's Test record

Tests	Runs	Average	100s	50s
17	1084	54.20	4	3

Kambli's ODI record

ODIs	Runs	Average	100s	50s
104	2477	32.59	2	14

The researchers added in their study that the highest contributors to overall team score were Bradman with 25%, George Headley with 22% and Sachin's best known rival of modern era Brian Lara with 19%.
The West Indian Lara was often seen as Sachin's biggest rival in modern day cricket. While the duo kept trading records at each other, Lara managed to keep the highest run-getter record with him. Ironically, Lara like Sachin too doesn't feature prominently in many parameters.

Lara's Test record

Tests	Runs	Average	100s	50s
131	11953	52.88	34	48

Lara's ODI record

ODIs	Runs	Average	100s	50s
299	10405	40.48	19	50

While measurements kept varying for each batsman based on different parameters, there was one player who maintained numero uno position right through. No prizes for guessing!
Sir Don Bradman!
While similar studies have been published in the past using quantitative methods for sports, this is the first time something of this sort is happening with cricket and the response so far has been lukewarm.
While the unanimous view emerging is a thumbs up for Don at the summit, Sachin fans have reasons to wonder how effective a quantitative study for a game of cricket can be.