Statistical Comparison: Yuvraj Singh vs Andrew Symonds

Yuvraj and Symonds produced a number of all-round performances for their respective nations

Hailed as the new-age heroes of cricket during their golden times, both Yuvraj Singh and Andrew Symonds have most deservedly walked up the ladder of fame with their sensational display of talent. While their careers earned plaudits primarily as batsmen, their prowess with the ball and their wicket-taking ability has seen the pair being counted as quality all-rounders.

While Symonds may have retired, Yuvraj is still in contention for a spot in the national squad, a chance that has been evading him right since his poor show after his comeback.

Both Symonds and Yuvraj have a lot in common – they have been at the centre of many controversies, are synonymous with aggressive batting, and have always given the team important breakthroughs when they came on to bowl. 

Here is a statistical comparison between two match-winning stars of the game, that parallels their numbers across the various formats and against different opposition.

Overall record                

Yuvraj Singh

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling average	Best figures
Test	40	1900	33.92	169	3	9	60.77	2/9
ODI	293	8329	36.37	139	13	111	38.18	5/31
T20I	40	968	31.22	77*	0	23	16.78	3/17

Andrew Symonds

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling average	Best figures
Test	26	1462	40.61	162*	2	24	37.33	3/50
ODI	198	5088	39.75	156	6	133	37.25	5/18
T20I	14	337	48.14	85*	0	8	34.62	2/14

Although the records of both the players appear to be neck and neck across all formats, Symonds boasts of a much better T20I batting average of 48.14 compared to Yuvi’s 31.22, but that could also be attributed to the lesser number of T20Is he has played (14) compared to Yuvi (40). Symonds’ bowling record betters Yuvraj’s convincingly though, as he has taken more wickets in Tests and ODIs despite playing fewer matches.

Home Record

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling average	Best figures
Yuvraj	105	3205	40.56	138*	6	47	39.95	5/31
Symonds	83	1768	28.98	151	1	62	36.17	4/11

In the ODI format, Yuvraj clearly trumps Symonds by enjoying a better average of 40.56 in India compared to Symonds’ average of 28.98 as he has had a poor run with the bat in Australia. Yuvraj's heroics with the bat achieve greater heights in the subcontinent region, highlighted by the fact that 6 of his 13 ODI centuries have been scored in India. 

But Symonds emerges as the better bowler in home conditions – the fact being brought to the fore by his superior bowling average and more number of wickets.

Away Record

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	113	3377	36.31	139	6	35	42.97	3/34
Symonds	73	2122	43.30	156	3	45	42.28	3/41

Symonds is the obvious winner as a batsman away from home with 5 out of his 6 ODI centuries scored outside Australia. 3 of them have been at the home grounds of the opponents. He also displays an impressive average of 43.30 away from home. Yuvraj also has done exceedingly well in away conditions, registering as many as 6 centuries to his name.

Symonds again trumps Yuvi in the bowling front, taking 45 wickets from just 73 matches. When the Australian team needed an extra bowler with an ability to give much-needed breakthroughs, they have always found one in Andrew Symonds.

Records against other teams

Every player has a favorite opposition, against whom they always manage to score well or take wickets by the heap? While Yuvraj enjoys playing against England, Symonds displays a similar affection for Sri Lanka.

Against England

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	34	1313	48.62	138*	3	18	39.77	4/28
Symonds	20	308	28.00	74	0	6	60.83	2/24

The records of Yuvraj and Symonds show a stark contrast against England. While Yuvi relishes batting against England, especially when it comes to scoring centuries, Symonds finds it difficult to play their bowling, as indicated by his weak average of 28. Symonds' bowling also goes for a toss against English batsmen, who have gotten out to him only 6 times in 20 matches at a whopping average of 60.83.

Against Sri Lanka

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	54	1393	33.97	117	1	17	35.70	2/39
Symonds	24	757	50.46	151	1	15	43.73	3/48

With a change in opponent comes a change in fortunes. When it comes to Sri Lanka, batting becomes a piece of cake for Symonds, as he averages a remarkable 50.46 against the island nation. Symonds’ record outshines Yuvi’s this time, chiefly with the bat                                                          

Against Pakistan

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	36	1285	42.83	107*	1	13	34.76	3/55
Symonds	21	641	49.30	143*	2	19	28.57	3/34

Pakistan is an opponent whom both Yuvi and Symonds won’t mind playing against, as indicated by their strong record against them. Both have a strong average of 40+ against Pakistan and have also been successful with the ball, causing some unexpected turnarounds whilst bowling.                                                     

Against New Zealand

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	31	504	21.00	87	0	19	27.94	3/31
Symonds	28	843	40.14	156	1	17	41.82	3/41

New Zealand may be one of Symonds’ most favorite oppositions, but it is one of Yuvi’s least favorites. Yuvi’s average suffers a blow against NZ, with a paltry average of 21, compared to Symonds’ healthy 40.

                                                                           

Against South Africa

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	HS	100s	Wickets	Bowling Average	Best figures
Yuvraj	23	610	33.88	103	1	10	40.70	3/34
Symonds	15	292	26.54	76	0	12	36.33	3/48

While Pakistan may be the favorite of both Yuvi and Symonds, South Africa clearly is not. This is one team against whom both players haven’t been able to find consistent success both with the bat and with the ball, as indicated by their stats.

With the mixed bag of stats, some might rate Symonds greater than Yuvraj and others vice versa. But both Yuvraj and Symonds are remarkable all-rounders in their own right. Though Symonds’ road has reached an end, Yuvi’s qualities and capabilities as a player still stand out and it may not be long before we see him represent the tricolor again.

All stats indicate Symonds as a better bowler of the two, but Yuvi’s stronghold with the bat is hard to ignore. Be it the 2011 World Cup or his performances at 2007 T20 World Cup, both of which India won, Yuvi’s contributions have always stood out and gained tremendous praise from all quarters.

While Symonds’ performances may have been overshadowed more often than not by the exemplary performances of his legendary teammates, his contribution to Australian cricket was noteworthy. Controversies apart, he is still known for his game and dedication towards the sport.