Guides
Get better at the draft.
Short reads on how the game works and how to build a stronger XI.
These guides explain Beat My 11 for cricket fans who like to understand the choices they make. The game asks you to build an XI from six random draws, so a little knowledge goes a long way: which jobs a Test team needs filled, which of them carry the most weight in the score, and how to use a respin when a draw does not fit. Nothing here needs any maths. Everything is written in plain language and drawn from the way the game itself works.
New to the game? Start with the positions guide, then read the tips for a balanced XI. If you are curious how a team’s score and a five-match series are worked out, the how it works page gives the full method. And if you want a target to aim at, the World XI page shows the eleven players you have to beat, with their real Test records.
Positions in a Test XI
What an opener, a middle-order batter, a keeper, an all-rounder, a spinner and a fast bowler each do.
How to draft a balanced XI
Seven habits for the six spins: where bowling counts, when to use respins, and the IPL overseas rule.
What is a good batting average in ODIs and T20s?
Benchmarks for ODI, T20I and IPL batters, by position.
What is a good bowling average in ODIs and T20s?
Benchmarks for ODI, T20I and IPL bowlers, for pace and spin (lower is better).
What is a good Test batting average?
Real benchmarks from Test batters with 20+ Tests, by position and era.
What is a good Test bowling average?
Real benchmarks for pace, spin and all-rounders in Tests (lower is better).
What is a good strike rate?
Real benchmarks for ODI, T20I and IPL batters, by position, nation and IPL era.
What is a good economy rate?
The same for bowlers: the best tenth, the median, and pace against spin.
How your XI is rated and played
How players are compared, how a team is scored and how a five-match series is decided.
The Test World XI
The eleven you have to beat, with their real Test records.
The all-time IPL XI, every franchise’s XI and IPL stints
The IPL under real rules: the best eleven, each franchise’s best eleven, and long careers stint by stint.
Every nation’s all-time ODI XI
The ten World Cup Run sides with real career numbers.
Best Test XIs and best by position
Highest-rated XIs by era and nation, and ranked lists for every position.
Last updated 14 October 2026.