Australia has always been known for producing world-class bowlers. These players have taken many wickets and helped their team win big matches. From fast bowlers to spinners, Australia has had it all, with Shane Warne standing out as the top wicket-taker among them.
In this list, we look at the 11 best Australian bowlers. We picked them based on how many wickets they took in all formats, like Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s.
If you love cricket or want to know who the top bowlers are, this article will tell you everything in a very simple way.
Overview Table – Top 11 Australian Bowlers
Here’s a quick look at the top 11 Australian bowlers based on their total international wickets and key stats
| Rank | Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SK Warne | 339 | 1001 | 8/71 | 25.51 | 2.98 | 51.2 |
| 2 | GD McGrath | 376 | 949 | 8/24 | 21.76 | 2.93 | 44.5 |
| 3 | MA Starc | 291 | 718 | 6/28 | 25.64 | 4.10 | 37.5 |
| 4 | B Lee | 322 | 718 | 5/22 | 26.66 | 4.06 | 39.3 |
| 5 | NM Lyon | 170 | 592 | 8/50 | 30.95 | 3.04 | 61.0 |
| 6 | MG Johnson | 256 | 590 | 8/61 | 26.65 | 3.90 | 40.9 |
| 7 | PJ Cummins | 217 | 516 | 6/23 | 24.18 | 3.73 | 38.8 |
| 8 | JR Hazlewood | 218 | 497 | 6/52 | 24.84 | 3.48 | 42.7 |
| 9 | CJ McDermott | 209 | 494 | 8/97 | 27.02 | 3.33 | 48.6 |
| 10 | DK Lillee | 133 | 458 | 7/83 | 23.22 | 2.89 | 48.1 |
| 11 | JN Gillespie | 169 | 402 | 7/37 | 25.94 | 3.22 | 48.2 |
Now let’s dive into each bowler’s journey, achievements, and what made them stand out in Australian cricket history.
1. Shane Warne
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 339 |
| Wickets | 1001 |
| Best Bowling | 8/71 |
| Average | 25.51 |
| Economy | 2.98 |
| Strike Rate | 51.2 |
Shane Warne was the greatest spin bowler in Australia’s history. He made the ball spin in amazing ways and got many batters out with his smart bowling. Fans all over the world loved watching him.
He ended his career with 999 international wickets. Warne’s best was 8 wickets for 71 runs in one innings. His skills changed the game for spinners everywhere. Warne is still remembered as one of the most magical bowlers in cricket history.
Note: He also got 2 more wickets while playing for the World XI, which makes his wicket numbers 1001 in total.
2. Glenn McGrath
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 376 |
| Wickets | 949 |
| Best Bowling | 8/24 |
| Average | 21.76 |
| Economy | 2.93 |
| Strike Rate | 44.54 |
Glenn McGrath was known for his perfect line and length. He didn’t need to bowl fast to get wickets. His control and accuracy made life very hard for batters.
McGrath took 948 wickets in his career. His best bowling was 8 wickets for just 24 runs. He was a key player in Australia’s success for many years. Today, he inspires many young bowlers to master control and discipline.
3. Brett Lee
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 322 |
| Wickets | 718 |
| Best Bowling | 5/22 |
| Average | 26.66 |
| Economy | 4.06 |
| Strike Rate | 39.36 |
Brett Lee was one of the fastest bowlers in the world. He bowled with great speed and energy. His bouncers and yorkers were tough to play.
Lee got 718 wickets for Australia. His best bowling was 5 wickets for 22 runs. He always brought excitement to the game. His speed and style made him a fan favorite across the globe. After cricket, Lee became a popular commentator and even acted in movies.
4. Mitchell Starc
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 291 |
| Wickets | 718 |
| Best Bowling | 6/28 |
| Average | 25.64 |
| Economy | 4.10 |
| Strike Rate | 37.59 |
Mitchell Starc is a left-arm fast bowler known for his deadly yorkers. He swings the ball at high speed and often breaks the stumps.
He has taken 705 wickets so far. His best is 6 wickets for 28 runs. Starc is still playing and winning games for Australia. His ability to take quick wickets makes him a match-winner in any format. He is also a key part of Australia’s white-ball success and continues to shine.
5. Mitchell Johnson
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 256 |
| Wickets | 590 |
| Best Bowling | 8/61 |
| Average | 26.65 |
| Economy | 3.90 |
| Strike Rate | 40.92 |
Mitchell Johnson was fast and fierce. He scared batters with his pace and bounce. His bowling in the 2013–14 Ashes was unforgettable.
He finished with 590 wickets. His best bowling was 8 wickets for 61 runs. Johnson was a match-winner on his day. His fiery spells brought fear to even the best batters in the world. He once bowled a delivery that broke the bat of South African legend Graeme Smith!
6. Nathan Lyon
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 170 |
| Wickets | 592 |
| Best Bowling | 8/50 |
| Average | 30.95 |
| Economy | 3.04 |
| Strike Rate | 61.0 |
Nathan Lyon is one of the best off-spin bowlers Australia has ever had. He started as a ground worker but became a star with the ball.
He has taken 583 wickets. His best is 8 wickets for 50 runs. Lyon is still playing and helping Australia in Tests. Lyon’s story shows that hard work can take you to the top. His nickname is “The GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time) among fans and teammates.
7. Pat Cummins
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 217 |
| Wickets | 516 |
| Best Bowling | 6/23 |
| Average | 24.18 |
| Economy | 3.73 |
| Strike Rate | 38.87 |
Pat Cummins is a top fast bowler and Australia’s Test captain. In the Australia cricket team squad, he’s known for his pace, control, and fearless leadership.
He has taken 503 wickets so far. His best is 6 wickets for 23 runs. Cummins is one of the best bowlers today. As a captain and bowler, Cummins continues to shine on the world stage. He also captained Australia to win the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup.
8. Craig McDermott
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 209 |
| Wickets | 494 |
| Best Bowling | 8/97 |
| Average | 27.02 |
| Economy | 3.33 |
| Strike Rate | 48.67 |
Craig McDermott was a strong and hard-working fast bowler. He played in the late 80s and early 90s and led Australia’s bowling attack.
He took 494 wickets. His best was 8 for 97. McDermott played an important role when the team was growing. He laid the foundation for Australia’s future fast bowling success. He was also a part of Australia’s 1987 World Cup-winning team.
9. Josh Hazlewood
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 218 |
| Wickets | 497 |
| Best Bowling | 6/52 |
| Average | 24.84 |
| Economy | 3.48 |
| Strike Rate | 42.7 |
Josh Hazlewood is known for his simple but very effective bowling. He is quiet and focused and always does his job.
He has taken 484 wickets. His best is 6 wickets for 52 runs. He is still an important bowler for Australia. Hazlewood’s calm nature and accuracy make him a trusted bowler in big games. He was one of the stars in Australia’s win in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
10. Dennis Lillee
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 133 |
| Wickets | 458 |
| Best Bowling | 7/83 |
| Average | 23.22 |
| Economy | 2.89 |
| Strike Rate | 48.16 |
Dennis Lillee was a legend in the 1970s and 80s. He bowled fast, gave his all, and became a hero to many.
He took 458 wickets. His best was 7 wickets for 83 runs. Lillee set the standard for future fast bowlers. His passion and fight made him a true cricket icon. His partnership with Jeff Thomson is still talked about in cricket history books.
11. Jason Gillespie
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 169 |
| Wickets | 402 |
| Best Bowling | 7/37 |
| Average | 25.94 |
| Economy | 3.22 |
| Strike Rate | 48.2 |
Jason Gillespie was one of Australia’s most reliable fast bowlers during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his accuracy, calm attitude, and strong partnership with Glenn McGrath, Gillespie played a key role in Australia’s bowling attack.
He picked up 402 international wickets in 169 matches, with best figures of 7/37. His bowling average of 25.94 and strike rate of 48.2 show how effective he was at getting wickets without giving away too many runs. While he wasn’t the fastest, his consistent line and length made him a tough bowler to face.
Gillespie retired from international cricket in 2006 and now works as a coach. His quiet determination and team-first mindset made him a true asset for Australian cricket.
Related Reads:
Conclusion: Shane Warne Is the Best Australian Bowler of All Time
These 11 bowlers are the pride of Australian cricket. Each of them gave their best, whether it was with spin, speed, or smart bowling. They are remembered not just for their records, but also for their impact on the game.
Some of these bowlers are still playing today, while others have retired and become legends. But they all helped shape Australia’s cricket story in a big way. Every cricket fan in the world knows their names.
Young players can learn a lot from these greats. They showed that hard work, practice, and passion can lead to big success. These bowlers are true champions of the game.
FAQs
Many fans say Shane Warne for his spin magic. But McGrath’s accuracy and Starc’s pace also make them strong contenders.
Shane Warne holds the record with 999 international wickets. He is Australia’s all-time leading wicket-taker.
Brett Lee was known for bowling over 150 km/h regularly. He terrified batters with his extreme pace.
Pat Cummins is still playing at the top level. He is also Australia’s current Test captain.
Nathan Lyon is the leading spinner in the team today. He’s known for his control, bounce, and long career.
