The LG ICC Player Rankings are a sophisticated moving average. Players are rated on a scale of 0 to 1000 points. If a player’s performance is improving on his past record, his points increase; if his performance is declining his points will go down.

The value of each player’s performance within a match is calculated using an algorithm, a series of calculations (all pre-programmed) based on various circumstances in the match.

All of the calculations are carried out using pre-programmed formulae, using the information published in a Test match scorecard. There is no human intervention in this calculation process, and no subjective assessment is made of the quality of the pitch or of the players.

The principles behind the ODI Ratings are similar to those for the Test Ratings, with the following important differences:

Batsmen gain significant credit for rapid scoring. They only get a small amount of credit for being not out (because a not out batsman is, by definition, batting at the end of the innings when the value of his wicket is low)

Bowlers gain significant credit for economy. A bowler who bowls 10 overs 0 for 10 is likely to see his rating improve significantly, even though he hasn’t taken a wicket.

Players lose only ½ % of their points for missing a match for their country.

All ODI matches are considered equal, except for ICC Cricket World Cup matches, where good performances gain extra credit.

Big scores or wicket hauls against very weak nations get much less credit than the same performances against the main ODI countries.