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Read Me
TEST CRICKET DATABASE
Test Cricket Database is an inexpensive and versatile programme
for IBM computers and compatibles that enables users to have all
the facts about Test cricket at one`s fingertips. The database
comes on two floppy discs which are installed on the computer`s
hard-drive, from where the programme is run. The database takes
about 8 Mb of hard-disc space, and running it consumes about 1 Mb
of computer memory. Although the programme is not Windows-based,
it has its own pull-down menus, and can be run from Windows by
activating its own icon.
The database is divided into three major menus. The "Matches"
menu enables users to access full scores of all Test matches
since 1877. As well as the basic scorecard, other information
such as close-of-play scores, umpires, captains, wicketkeeper and
toss is given. A unique feature is the inclusion of the name of
the batsman out at the fall of each wicket, information that has
never been published before. With each part of the scorecard oc-
cupying one screen, each match can occupy up to eight "pages". A
single summary page enables users to see in potted form the his-
tory of the whole match. A single key-press moves the user onto
the next Test match, or back to the previous one.
Also in the Matches menu is a table which provides the user with
a list of series results on one page. Another section gives a
list of all Test matches and their dates in chronological order.
Finally, there is a series of tables which summarises Test match
cricket for each Test-playing nation. There is a table of re-
sults, another of runs scored and their distribution, and a third
giving a breakdown of how wickets were taken.
The second major menu, "Performances", gives a wide of range of
information about players, both individually and within country
groupings. Match-by-match details are provided, even batting
graphs, along with analyses of players in terms of their perfor-
mances against countries, ground-by ground, distribution of
scores, and modes of dismissal. Averages of individual series can
be searched, as can lists of individual nations` players, and
there is also a single list of all 2000-plus Test cricketers and
their averages.
The last major menu gives an extensive selection of records, un-
der major headings of Batting, Bowling, All-Rounders, Fielding,
Wicketkeeping, Team Results, and Team Scores. Within the Batting
section alone, there are 60 different searches, encompassing ag-
gregates, averages, centuries, "ducks", partnerships, least
matches to selected targets, consistency measures, modes of dis-
missal and innings in the 90s. Similar lists can be found in the
other individual skill areas. The team records provide lists of,
for example, tight finishes, comprehensive victories, large
fourth-innings scores, high and low match aggregates, and many
more. A final section gives, amongst other lists, captaincy and
umpiring records. Overall, there are in excess of 200 different
records searches that can be made.
Each of the tables is able to be sorted according to a large num-
ber of criteria, the speed of the sorting process, especially for
large lists, being a feature of the database. Users are also able
to set their own minimum qualification standards for the lists so
that smaller, elite lists can be generated.
The real power of the database lies in its filtering option,
which enables users to consider sub-sets of the whole. By select-
ing an individual country, it is possible to revisit the records
section and view solely those established by players from that
particular nation. Similarly, one can filter on an individual
player, and view his record under a selected captain, or with an-
other selected player, both as a colleague or opponent. One can
also filter by time, so that performances in selected eras only
are provided, and a location filter allows viewing of perfor-
mances by country or ground. To concoct an extreme example, it is
possible to extract the bowling average of Jeff Thomson when
paired with Dennis Lillee under the captaincy of Greg Chappell at
the MCG in matches against England between 1 January 1976 and 30
November 1980. It is the filter that enables the quickest, yet
most sophisticated, analysis of Test cricket to be made. With the
filter, the number of searches that can be made thus becomes in-
finite.
All the displays can be viewed in either mono-colour, or a dis-
play that allots to each country its traditional "cricket" colour
. It is even possible to invoke user-designed colours for each
country if the default colours do not suit.
Test Cricket Database is a suitable programme for sports media
writers, amateur cricket enthusiasts and children alike, and it
is used now extensively by the cricket media in Australia. For
users who wish to have their database kept up-to-date, two dif-
ferent subscription services are available. One provides three
updates per year sent on floppy discs via ordinary mail; the oth-
er, more economical, option provides updates via e-mail.
As a demonstration of the capabilities of Test Cricket Database,
browsers may download from this directory for private use a
demonstration version of the software, which encompasses scores,
statistics and records of the first 100 Test matches.
A similar database of One Day Internationals is also available.
For further details about Test Cricket or One Day International
Cricket, contact:
Ric Finlay
214 Warwick Street
West Hobart
Tasmania, 7000
Australia
Phone/Fax +61 03 6231 0193
email: ricf@netspace.net.au
Contributed by Ric.Finlay (ricf@netspace.net.au)
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