****What is a reasonable ODI average these days?****

Ross Taylor magnificent player, averages around 38?

Chanderpaul 40 ish.

Discarded.

What really is the benchmark these days?

Strike rate should weigh in too, I'd say. And depends on position, role etc. There's only so much average and s/r can tell too.
For example - I would consider Shakib to be a superior ODI batsman than Misbah, although Misbah averages exponentionally more - because Shakib has single handedly wont Bangladesh matches from the unlikeliest of positions. Same with Taylor, even.

The problem is, only so much you can say - without context, team they play for, conditions they play in etc.

Rev to disagree obviously  ;D

Hard to say but if you're just looking at numbers sans context, and Rev would say 'the numbers don't lie'  ;D

I guess 44-49 the likes of Misbah, Kallis, Clark, DeVilliers ........... very good !!

50 and above the likes of Amla, Dhoni, Kohli, Trott ............. excellent !!!

I would say it hinges on the Position,a batsman at the top of the order (1,2,3) should have an average of 45+ to be regarded as a "good" batsman.The middle order average can vary between 38-42 and the down the order(till no 7) a good 35 will be extra-ordinary.

Interesting points.


Points taken apropos SR, position etc.


Good point about Shakib.

* In analyzing batsmen in onedayers one must look at both batting average and strike rate.

* Chris Gayle is currently the best batsman in the WI team----his average is 37.77 and his strike rate is 84.17

* Ross Taylor from NZ---his average is 38.44 and his strike rate is 81.95


A GOOD GUAGE:

* Any batsman with a 35+ average and an 80+ strike rate is a solid oneday performer.

* Mail mentioned that Chanderpaul was discarded.

* Chanderpaul has a oneday average of 41.60 and a strike rate of 70.74

* Darren Bravo has a oneday average of 32.64 and a strike rate of 70.67

* Marlon Samuels has a oneday average of 31.21 and a strike rate of 72.79


SHEER NASTINESS, MEANNESS AND SPITEFULNESS FROM COACH GIBSON AND THE WI SELECTORS HAVE KEPT SHIV OUT OF ONE DAY CRICKET.

Rev

I would say that an average of 40 is excellent .
This means that your top 6 batsman will score 240 and the tail should score 30 and 270 which is an excellent score on average

A 40 average  with a strike rate of 90  will take you to 270 and anything over that is a bonus

Nice points there Kwams.

Rev,
Nice numerical comparisons of current West Indian players and when you throw Shiv into the mix, it is telling.