Production functions in the sports industry: an empirical analysis of professional cricket

Abstract

Production functions are estimated for English county cricket using samples of data for the County Championship and the John Player League in the seasons of 1981–83. Results suggest possible lessons for the management and conduct of the game at the level of the individual club; in particular the allocation of resources for developing playing skills, the composition of playing staffs, selection of teams for particular games, and strategies on the field. Results also provide statistical evidence for some points of conventional wisdom regarding the professional game.