Ditch the toss? Hold fire
In a new series, we look at what the numbers reveal about the toss in Test matches, and the emergence of No. 5 as the most pivotal batting position
S Rajesh and Gaurav Kalra
28-Sep-2015
Ricky Ponting and Michael Holding have called for a radical change to Test cricket - abandon the toss altogether and let the visiting team decide if they wish to bat or field. S Rajesh crunches some numbers that tell a revealing story.
How often have we heard that No. 3 is the most pivotal batting position in a Test XI? It appears that a subtle shift has taken place over the last few years and No. 5 is fast emerging as the most productive position.
S Rajesh is stats editor of ESPNcricinfo. @rajeshstats. Gaurav Kalra is a senior editor. @gauravkalra75