Performance and competitive orientation: team dynamics in test match cricket

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between the diversity of team composition and the outcome enjoyed by those teams in test match cricket by using performance and competitiveness variables. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines 100 test matches over 13 years played by eight test match‐playing countries. It draws on 12 measures of performance and 12 measures of competitiveness across more than 130 players. Findings – The paper finds that there is a link between diversity and outcome, but it is not always clear as to which direction that relationship lies. Team characteristics are found to be a function of member characteristics and not a simple aggregate. Research limitations/implications – The findings of the paper are probably not generalisable outside of international test match cricket. Practical implication – The paper provides evidence that suggests that, in developing sporting teams, consideration must be given as to which activities are more important in delivering outcomes. Originality/value – The paper adds to the literature on team dynamics in terms of theory and sporting context.