The concept of the Man of the Match (MoM) has become essential in cricket, originating from One Day Internationals (ODIs). Unlike ODIs, Test matches do not have defined parameters, making it challenging to identify standout performances consistently. The Test format includes four innings and requires players to perform over extended periods, necessitating a different approach when awarding accolades.
History of the Man of the Match Award
Australia pioneered the MoM concept during a Test series against the West Indies in 1975-76. The first MoM was awarded in the Brisbane Test, where Australia triumphed by eight wickets. Greg Chappell’s remarkable innings secured him the inaugural award, which was later followed by other notable players such as Roy Fredericks and Jeff Thomson. Though the term “Player of the Match” is now more common, the original terminology persists in many contexts.
Analyzing the Validity of MoM Awards
The validity of MoM awards is evaluated using a metric known as the Match Performance Index (MPI). This index considers batting, bowling, and fielding contributions in a holistic manner. Awards are granted based on actual performances and contextual analysis.
Criteria for MoM Awards
- Matches with an MTPP (Match Team Performance Points) of 50.0 or more are eligible for MoM recognition.
- Matches below this threshold are deemed incomplete for the award’s purpose.
Out of the 2,615 Tests played until December 2025, only 65 matches had MTPP values below 50. Interestingly, 40 of these did not award an MoM, while 25 did which raises questions about the adjudication process.
Distribution of MoM Awards
From the 2,550 matches that qualified, 1,671 had MoM awards. Of those, 905 went to players with the highest MPI values, indicating that they were the top performers. This means approximately 69% of awarded MoMs were given to the best performers, while about 31% were not.
Bat-Centric vs. Bow-Centric Awards
- 54% of awarded MoMs are Bat-Centric (75%+ MPI from batting).
- 29% are Bow-Centric (75%+ MPI from bowling).
- 17% are categorized as All-Rounders (A/R-Centric).
Adjudicators often favor batting achievements over bowling, as centuries tend to attract more attention than wicket hauls, despite the MPI calculations favoring bowlers in many instances.
Examples of Controversial MoM Awards
Several instances highlight the inconsistencies in awarding MoMs. During Bangladesh’s match against Ireland in November 2025, Mushfiqur Rahim received MoM for scoring 106 and 53, overshadowing Taijul Islam, who achieved eight wickets. In cases like this, the performance metrics suggest a different player deserved recognition.
Notable Anomalies
Occasionally, players from losing teams receive MoM awards, raising eyebrows. Sachin Tendulkar had several such instances, including a match in 1999 where his performance was less impactful than those of players from the winning team.
Conclusion: Do MoM Awards Always Reflect True Performers?
While the MoM awards aim to acknowledge top performers, the evaluation process often lacks rigor. The discrepancies between actual performance metrics and awarded accolades suggest that the current system may not consistently recognize deserving players. Further analysis and a more structured approach could enhance the credibility and fairness of the awards in future matches.
