In Test cricket, a bowler’s average reflects their real strength. It shows how many runs a bowler gives for every wicket taken. The lower the number, the better the performance. For fans and experts alike, the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket represent a perfect balance of skill, consistency, and match-winning ability.
In this article, we rank the top 10 bowlers with best averages in Test cricket who have taken at least 200 wickets. Let’s dive into the greatness of these exceptional cricketers from number 10 to number 1.
List of Top 10 Legendary Bowlers with Best Averages in Test Cricket
10. Richard Hadlee – New Zealand’s First Cricket Superstar
Sir Richard Hadlee was the first great fast bowler from New Zealand and one of the best of all time. He had the perfect combination of pace, movement, and precision. Whether swinging the ball or bowling seam, Hadlee could dismiss top-order batsmen with ease. His leadership with the ball helped transform New Zealand into a competitive Test side in the 1980s.
Bowlers with best averages in Test cricket always had something unique, and Hadlee’s ability to bowl long spells with full intensity made him a match-winner throughout his career.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| New Zealand | 86 | 431 | 22.29 |
9. Allan Donald – South Africa’s White Lightning
Allan Donald was the face of South African fast bowling in the 1990s. Known for his fiery pace and aggressive attitude, he terrorized batsmen with sharp bounce and late movement. Donald had the classic fast bowler’s action and the confidence to bowl at any batsman in the world.
Among the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, Donald’s average of 22.25 stands out due to his ability to take crucial wickets, especially away from home.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| South Africa | 72 | 330 | 22.25 |
8. Pat Cummins – Australia’s Calm Destroyer
Pat Cummins is not only Australia’s captain but also one of the world’s best fast bowlers. Known for his consistency and sharpness, Cummins can bowl long spells without losing pace or line. Whether it’s seaming conditions in England or flat tracks in India, Cummins delivers top-class performances everywhere.
He’s quickly risen among the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, with an impressive record that shows his impact in modern cricket.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| Australia | 62 | 270 | 22.20 |
7. Kagiso Rabada – The Aggressive South African Spearhead
Kagiso Rabada has become the leader of South Africa’s bowling attack in recent years. His speed, aggression, and ability to hit the right areas make him a constant threat to top-order batsmen. Rabada has delivered in both home and away series, often breaking big partnerships.
His entry into the elite list of bowlers with best averages in Test cricket at a young age speaks volumes about his talent and hunger to succeed.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| South Africa | 67 | 289 | 21.74 |
6. Glenn McGrath – Australia’s Master of Accuracy
Glenn McGrath is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the game. He didn’t rely on pace, but rather perfect line and length. McGrath’s relentless accuracy made life miserable for batsmen, especially on lively pitches.
He is a true icon among the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, having maintained exceptional standards over 124 Tests.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| Australia | 124 | 563 | 21.64 |
5. Fred Trueman – England’s Original Fast Bowling Legend
Fred Trueman was the first bowler in the world to reach 300 wickets in Test cricket. A powerful and fiery bowler, Trueman’s outswingers and bouncers were feared across all batting line-ups. He played in an era without advanced fitness or protective gear, yet remained dominant.
Among the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, Trueman’s 21.57 reflects his amazing skill and control even on flat wickets.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| England | 67 | 307 | 21.57 |
4. Curtley Ambrose – West Indies’ Quiet Assassin
Curtley Ambrose was known for his silent nature and deadly spells. He had a smooth action and great bounce, troubling even the best with his length deliveries. Ambrose’s economy was remarkable, and he often dismantled batting orders within a single spell.
He proudly stands among the bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, thanks to his fierce consistency and ability to win matches on his own.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| West Indies | 98 | 405 | 20.99 |
3. Joel Garner – The Giant Who Ruled with Precision
Known as “The Big Bird,” Joel Garner’s height gave him a huge advantage. He bowled with great control, and his yorkers were among the most dangerous ever seen. Garner’s short run-up didn’t stop him from being quick and deadly.
He remains a towering figure in the list of bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, delivering consistent brilliance during West Indies’ golden era.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| West Indies | 58 | 259 | 20.97 |
2. Malcolm Marshall – The Genius of Swing and Speed
Malcolm Marshall was arguably the most skillful fast bowler of all time. Despite not being very tall, he bowled at top pace and could swing the ball both ways. His fierce bouncers, late swing, and cricketing brain made him nearly impossible to score off.
He is highly respected in the list of bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, with an outstanding average of 20.94.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| West Indies | 81 | 376 | 20.94 |
1. Jasprit Bumrah – India’s Fast Bowling Revolution
Jasprit Bumrah has changed the face of Indian fast bowling. With his unique action and deadly pace, Bumrah has become India’s most dependable bowler in all formats. In Tests, his control, reverse swing, and wicket-taking ability have made him one of the best in the world.
With a stunning average of 19.33, Bumrah currently tops the list of bowlers with best averages in Test cricket, proving that modern bowlers can still dominate in the longest format.
| Country | Matches | Wickets | Bowling Average |
| India | 45 | 205 | 19.40 |
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FAQ
Q1. What is a bowling average in cricket?
A bowling average is the number of runs a bowler concedes per wicket. It is calculated by dividing total runs given by the number of wickets taken.
Q2. Why is Jasprit Bumrah’s average so special?
Bumrah’s average of 19.40 is the best among all bowlers with 200 or more wickets in Tests. It shows how effective he is, even in tough conditions.
Q3. Which country has the most bowlers in this list?
The West Indies has 3 bowlers – Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, and Curtley Ambrose – showing their dominance in fast bowling during the 1980s and 90s.
Q4. Is bowling average the only way to judge a bowler?
No, but it is a very important metric. Strike rate and economy rate are also important, but average shows how well a bowler performs over time.
Q5. Who has the most wickets among these bowlers?
Glenn McGrath has the highest number of wickets – 563 – among all bowlers listed here.
