Bowlers with the Best Bowling Averages in Test Cricket (Minimum 200 Wickets)
Bowling average is one of the most reliable indicators of a bowler’s efficiency in Test cricket. It represents the number of runs conceded per wicket taken and highlights a bowler’s consistency and match impact. When filtered by a minimum of 200 wickets, the list reveals a remarkable mix of all-time legends and modern greats who’ve dominated world cricket with precision, skill, and discipline.
Leading this list is none other than **Jasprit Bumrah**, who recently created history by becoming the Indian fast bowler with the **best Test bowling average** (minimum 200 wickets) and also picking up his **14th five-wicket haul** against England in the ongoing 2025 Test series. He continues to redefine fast bowling for the modern era.
Top 20 Bowlers with Best Averages in Test Cricket (200+ wickets)
| Rank | Bowler | Country | Matches | Wickets | Average |
| 1 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | 34 | 203 | 19.45 |
| 2 | Malcolm Marshall | West Indies | 81 | 376 | 20.94 |
| 3 | Joel Garner | West Indies | 58 | 259 | 20.97 |
| 4 | Curtly Ambrose | West Indies | 98 | 405 | 20.99 |
| 5 | Fred Trueman | England | 67 | 307 | 21.57 |
| 6 | Glenn McGrath | Australia | 124 | 563 | 21.64 |
| 7 | Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 62 | 321 | 21.88 |
| 8 | Allan Donald | South Africa | 72 | 330 | 22.25 |
| 9 | Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 86 | 431 | 22.29 |
| 10 | Vernon Philander | South Africa | 64 | 224 | 22.32 |
| 11 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 133 | 800 | 22.72 |
| 12 | Pat Cummins | Australia | 63 | 267 | 22.74 |
| 13 | Imran Khan | Pakistan | 88 | 362 | 22.81 |
| 14 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 93 | 439 | 22.95 |
| 15 | Michael Holding | West Indies | 60 | 249 | 23.01 |
| 16 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 108 | 421 | 23.11 |
| 17 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 104 | 414 | 23.62 |
| 18 | Dennis Lillee | Australia | 70 | 355 | 23.92 |
| 19 | Andy Roberts | West Indies | 47 | 202 | 25.61 |
| 20 | Andy Caddick | England | 62 | 234 | 29.91 |
Analysis: Legends Across Generations
This list features legendary names across generations—from the swing and speed of Malcolm Marshall to the unerring accuracy of Glenn McGrath and the new-age domination of Jasprit Bumrah.
The West Indies lead the representation with their golden era of fast bowlers. South Africa has also produced numerous consistent performers, while Pakistan, Australia, and India round out this list with their best-ever quicks and spinners.
- Jasprit Bumrah sits at the top with an incredible average under 20, a remarkable feat in modern cricket.
- West Indies legends dominate the list: Marshall, Garner, Ambrose, Holding, and Roberts defined fearsome pace across the ’70s and ’80s.
- South Africa is well-represented with Rabada, Donald, Philander, Pollock, and Steyn—all known for their accuracy and aggression.
- Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, despite his massive wicket tally (800), maintained an elite average of 22.72.
- Wasim Akram and Imran Khan—Pakistan’s pace giants—rightfully feature here with consistently elite numbers.
- Australian greats like McGrath, Cummins, and Lillee highlight the nation’s long tradition of top-quality fast bowling.
Why Bowling Average Matters
A lower bowling average shows how effectively a bowler dismisses batters while conceding fewer runs. But to maintain such an average over 200+ wickets is a sign of sustained greatness. Many bowlers may shine in short bursts, but those on this list have combined longevity with lethal skill.
These bowlers are not just statistical outliers—they’re match-winners who defined the art of bowling for their generation. Maintaining a top-tier bowling average across 200+ wickets
