Karl on...a statistical enigma

Much is made of Stephen Fleming's relatively low average, for someone who is clearly a talented batsman. A recent article on CricInfo gives some food for thought on this. George Binoy did some analysis of his stats over his test career prior to the recent series against the West Indies:

As a batsman, Fleming hasn't turned many heads. Although he has 6194 Test runs - the most by a New Zealand batsman - he averages only 39.20. Because conditions in New Zealand are quite heavily tilted in the bowler's favour, Fleming's away performances overshadow his exploits at home. He averages 65.45 in Asia and his record in Sri Lanka - 733 runs, the most for a visiting batsman, at an average of 104.71 - is second only to Sachin Tendulkar.

His home average is only 32.98 (44 tests), while his away average is 44.81 (52 tests)

Looking at his stats gives interesting reading.

Up to the current test, his average against each country is:
Australia: 25.18 (14 tests)
Bangladesh: 74.00 (4)
England: 32.13 (16)
India: 32.63 (13)
Pakistan: 47.5 (9)
South Africa: 30.15 (11)
Sri Lanka: 68.18 (11)
West Indies: 46.86 (11)
Zimbabwe: 37.64 (11).

He has now scored a century against every country except India (HS: 92) and Zimbabwe (HS: 84), having overtaken his previous highest against South Africa of 99. For each country, except the West Indies, he averages more in the country than against them at home.

Fleming the traveller, is a world-class player. Fleming, the New Zealander at home, is not!