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.
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.
[quote author=Mail link=topic=87168.msg545907#msg545907 date=1390619368]
Ross Taylor magnificent player, averages around 38?
Chanderpaul 40 ish.
Discarded.
What really is the benchmark these days?
[/quote]
* 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
[size=14pt]SHEER NASTINESS, MEANNESS AND SPITEFULNESS FROM COACH GIBSON AND THE WI SELECTORS HAVE KEPT SHIV OUT OF ONE DAY CRICKET.[/size]
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