CricViz caught up with Broadcast Analyst Jemma Green following a busy 2024 so far.
Q&A with CricViz Analyst: Jemma Green
Q – What first inspired you to pursue a career in sports analytics?
The spark for cricket analytics started when I was young, watching games with my dad. We’d sit in front of the TV, and whenever those early, basic stats popped up, I’d tell him, “I’d love to be the one who creates those numbers for the screen.” This was the late 90s—nothing like the level of insight available now—and while it was just a comment at the time, the fact that I remember it so clearly shows that it stuck with me. I grew up in a cricket-mad house, and scoring was my way of staying close to the game. When I turned 10, I received my own scorebook as a birthday gift. Scoring matches, calculating averages, and working out economies from the scorebook felt like my first step into this world.
Q – Can you tell us about your career to date and what excited you about the opportunity to join CricViz?
In 2010, I worked with Paul Farbrace, then coach of Kent CCC, producing a comprehensive T20 data report covering run rates, strike rates, and other insights for the County T20 Blast—a novel approach at the time. This report impressed Paul, who shared it with Derbyshire’s coach, Karl Krikken, leading to a similar project for Derbyshire the following year. I later collaborated with Giles White at Hampshire on data-driven first-class cricket projects and supported Paul Nixon with match analysis during his stint as Jamaica Tallawahs coach in the CPL.
Beyond cricket, I gained valuable experience coding basketball matches for Team Solent, exploring how data informs team strategies in other sports. These early freelance roles came before analytics became mainstream in UK sports.
Sports analytics offers many opportunities, but CricViz stands out for its diverse roles and responsibilities. As a Broadcast Analyst, I’ve worked as an Analyst, Statistician, and Graphics Producer, often combining these roles to meet production needs. This variety ensures every assignment is unique and engaging.
In addition to live broadcasts, I assist written press clients by delving into data to uncover insights that enrich their articles. Balancing broadcast and editorial work keeps the role dynamic and rewarding.
This year, I’ve covered three live events, engaging in all three roles, and found the supportive, collaborative CricViz Analyst team invaluable. The vast scope of cricket data means no one can master it all, but with pooled expertise and backing from the data science team, we can tackle almost any challenge—a truly exciting environment to work in.
Q – Can you talk us through your recent experience covering the ICC Women’s World Cup in the UAE and share any unique insights from the tournament?
The Women’s World Cup illustrated the incredible development in the women’s game while also highlighting the disparities that remain. There’s a noticeable gap between teams that have fully professional setups and those that don’t, and unfortunately, that can affect the quality of the matches. But as we moved towards the final stages of the tournament, the intensity and skill on display were incredible. Watching West Indies eliminate England and South Africa beat Australia was thrilling—these weren’t just victories but high-level chases executed against top teams. And New Zealand lifting the trophy was, I believe, the best outcome for the sport. To have teams like England and Australia absent from the finals underscores just how competitive the women’s game is becoming.
Q: What challenges did you face during the tournament, and how did you utilise the expertise of the CricViz team?
The thrill of a live broadcast is always there, but it comes with plenty of unpredictability. You can’t anticipate everything you’ll be asked for as the game unfolds. At this World Cup, my role shifted to Graphics Producer, which meant balancing multiple demands in real time. The CricViz team is incredibly supportive, and during the busiest moments, I could rely on colleagues in India and the UK to assist with analysis requests. This collaboration made it possible to keep up with fast-paced demands while delivering quality insights, which is key when you’re working live.
Q – Could you share a highlight from your work at the World Cup?
One of the highlights for me was working with such a diverse, passionate team. In a live broadcast, you have people from all over the world coming together with unique skills. The unifying factor is our shared love for the game. It’s a high-pressure environment, but when everyone is passionate about what they’re doing, it turns that pressure into excitement. I thrive on the buzz that comes from all of us working towards the same goal: bringing the best possible cricket experience to viewers.
Q – You have worked on both Men’s and Women’s games. How do you see analytics being used differently?
Analytics offers a layer of advantage, especially as teams get more evenly matched. It’s a tool that can give that “extra edge,” even when natural talent and hard work are there. Analytics won’t replace what players accomplish in training or the nets, but it’s that extra 2% that can make all the difference. The World Cup showed that international teams are rising quickly, and as they do, analytics will help them find new ways to push boundaries and set themselves apart.
Q – What advice would you give to women considering a career in sports analytics or cricket?
I feel incredibly lucky to work in an area I’m so passionate about, and I’d tell young women to gain as much hands-on experience with the game as possible. Whether it’s scoring, umpiring, or just being involved in local matches, getting that direct exposure teaches you to watch and understand the game at a granular level. In data and analytics, you’ll spend a lot of time focusing on each ball and each decision—there’s no skipping past the less thrilling moments. The more experience you have in a game from start to finish, the better prepared you’ll be for this career. Don’t let the unconventional path discourage you; it’s worth it to work in something you love.
For more information about CricViz’s Performance Analysis services or to get in touch with the team, click here.