Australia and India have built one of the most competitive rivalries in One Day International cricket. Over the years, many outstanding fast bowlers and spinners have played important roles whenever these two teams have met in ODIs. Some bowlers have been particularly successful because they have been able to take wickets regularly while keeping the number of runs conceded under control. This is why bowling average is an important statistic when comparing players from this rivalry. The Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches provide a useful way to identify bowlers who have consistently produced wickets without giving away too many runs. In this ranking, the players are arranged from number 10 to number 1 according to their bowling averages. Brett Lee occupies the top position with an excellent average of 21.00, while Mitchell Johnson, Glenn McGrath, Craig McDermott, Kapil Dev and several other highly respected bowlers also feature prominently. The Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches also show how different generations of bowlers have influenced this famous cricket rivalry.
List of 10 Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches
10. Adam Zampa
Adam Zampa is ranked number 10 in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The Australian leg-spinner has become an important part of Australia’s ODI bowling attack and has produced several useful performances against India. Zampa played 26 ODI matches against India between 2017 and 2025 and took 41 wickets. He conceded 1,343 runs during this period, giving him a bowling average of 32.75. His best bowling figures in the rivalry were 4/45. Zampa has been particularly effective during the middle overs, where his variations and ability to change pace have helped Australia break important partnerships. His record against India places him among the notable bowlers featured in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. Although his average is higher than the players ranked above him, his 41 wickets in 26 matches show his ability to consistently create opportunities against one of the strongest batting teams in ODI cricket.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2025 | 26 | 1,343 | 41 | 32.75 |
9. Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami occupies the ninth position in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The Indian fast bowler has been one of the country’s most reliable wicket-taking options in limited-overs cricket and has produced several strong spells against Australia. Shami played 26 ODIs against Australia between 2013 and 2025 and collected 42 wickets. He conceded 1,296 runs and finished with a bowling average of 30.85. His best figures against Australia were 5/51, demonstrating his ability to produce a breakthrough spell. Shami’s pace, seam movement and accuracy have allowed him to trouble Australian batters in different conditions. His ability to strike with the new ball as well as return later in the innings has made him a valuable bowler for India. His overall numbers earn him a place in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches, despite facing a strong Australian batting lineup throughout his career.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 2013-2025 | 26 | 1,296 | 42 | 30.85 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Captains With Most Matches in Australia vs India ODIs
8. Damien Fleming
Damien Fleming is eighth in the ranking of the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The former Australian fast bowler was known for his accuracy and ability to move the ball, particularly during the 1990s. Fleming played 20 ODIs against India from 1994 to 2001 and took 28 wickets. He conceded 828 runs, resulting in an impressive bowling average of 29.57. His best bowling figures against India were 5/36, giving him an important five-wicket haul in the rivalry. Fleming was also highly economical, making it difficult for India’s batters to score freely against him. His ability to maintain pressure and bowl disciplined spells was one of his biggest strengths. Although he played fewer matches than some of the other bowlers in this ranking, his efficiency with the ball keeps him among the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1994-2001 | 20 | 828 | 28 | 29.57 |
7. Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh takes seventh place among the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. Waugh is primarily remembered as one of Australia’s greatest batsmen and captains, but he also made a valuable contribution with his medium-pace bowling. He played 53 ODI matches against India between 1986 and 2001, which is the highest number of matches among the players included in this ranking. Waugh took 43 wickets while conceding 1,267 runs, giving him a bowling average of 29.46. His best bowling performance against India was 4/40. His ability to bowl economical spells gave Australia another useful option in the middle overs. Waugh’s long involvement in the rivalry and his consistency with both bat and ball make his record particularly interesting. His numbers ensure that he remains an important name when discussing the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1986-2001 | 53 | 1,267 | 43 | 29.46 |
6. Ajit Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar is ranked sixth in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The Indian fast bowler was an important member of India’s ODI attack during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Agarkar played 21 matches against Australia between 1998 and 2006 and took 36 wickets. He conceded 1,023 runs, producing a bowling average of 28.41. His best figures against Australia were an outstanding 6/42, which remains one of the strongest individual bowling performances in this group. Agarkar possessed the ability to attack with pace and generate breakthroughs when India needed them. His wicket-taking ability was especially valuable against Australia’s experienced batting lineup. With 36 wickets in only 21 matches, Agarkar demonstrated considerable effectiveness against Australia and earned his position among the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1998-2006 | 21 | 1,023 | 36 | 28.41 |
5. Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev occupies fifth place in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. One of India’s greatest all-rounders, Kapil Dev played an important role with the ball throughout his international career. Against Australia, he appeared in 41 ODIs between 1980 and 1994 and claimed 45 wickets. He conceded 1,246 runs and recorded a bowling average of 27.68. His best bowling figures against Australia were 5/43. Kapil’s ability to generate pace and movement made him a difficult bowler to face, while his outstanding fitness allowed him to deliver long and demanding spells. His economy and consistency were also major strengths, particularly during an era when ODI cricket was played at a slower scoring rate. His 45 wickets against Australia demonstrate the impact he had on the rivalry and explain his position among the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1980-1994 | 41 | 1,246 | 45 | 27.68 |
4. Craig McDermott
Craig McDermott is fourth in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The Australian fast bowler was an important member of the team’s bowling attack during the 1980s and 1990s. McDermott played 22 ODIs against India between 1985 and 1994 and took 30 wickets. He conceded 824 runs, giving him a bowling average of 27.46. His best figures against India were 4/56. McDermott was known for his pace and aggressive style, while his ability to maintain pressure made him a dangerous opponent for India’s batsmen. His record shows that he could consistently take wickets without conceding excessive runs. The combination of 30 wickets and an average below 28 places him firmly among the leading performers in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1985-1994 | 22 | 824 | 30 | 27.46 |
3. Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath holds third place in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest fast bowlers, McGrath built his career around exceptional accuracy, discipline and consistency. He played 25 ODIs against India between 1994 and 2006 and took 34 wickets. During those matches, he conceded 910 runs and finished with a bowling average of 26.76. His best bowling figures against India were an outstanding 4/8. McGrath was particularly effective because he rarely gave batsmen easy scoring opportunities and constantly challenged them with accurate deliveries. His ability to bowl in the right areas for long periods allowed him to build pressure and eventually produce wickets. His impressive average and economical approach make him one of the standout names in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 1994-2006 | 25 | 910 | 34 | 26.76 |
READ MORE: Top 10 Most Dismissals in a Match for Australia vs India in ODIs
2. Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson is ranked second in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The left-arm fast bowler was one of the most intimidating pace bowlers of his generation and regularly troubled India’s batsmen with his speed, bounce and aggressive approach. Johnson played 27 ODIs against India between 2006 and 2015 and claimed 43 wickets. He conceded 1,121 runs and recorded a bowling average of 26.06. His best bowling figures against India were 5/26, highlighting his ability to produce match-changing spells. Johnson’s combination of extreme pace and a left-arm angle made him particularly difficult to handle once he found his rhythm. His wicket tally is also impressive, having taken 43 wickets in just 27 matches. These performances make him one of the most successful Australian bowlers in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 2006-2015 | 27 | 1,121 | 43 | 26.06 |
1. Brett Lee
Brett Lee takes the number-one position in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. The Australian fast bowler was renowned for his express pace, attacking mentality, and ability to take wickets against top-quality batting lineups. Lee played 32 ODIs against India between 2000 and 2012 and claimed an outstanding 55 wickets. He conceded 1,155 runs and finished with a remarkable bowling average of just 21.00. His best bowling figures against India were 5/27. Lee’s 55 wickets are the highest total among the players featured in this ranking, while his average is also comfortably the lowest. His ability to combine speed with accuracy allowed him to consistently challenge India’s batsmen and make breakthroughs at important stages of matches. His performances against India explain why he leads the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches. With an average of only 21.00 and 55 wickets from 32 matches, Brett Lee stands out as the most effective bowler in this ranking.
| Span | Mat | Runs | Wkts | Ave |
| 2000-2012 | 32 | 1,155 | 55 | 21.00 |
The Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches show the outstanding contribution made by some of the finest bowlers to this historic rivalry. Brett Lee stands clearly at the top with an average of 21.00 and 55 wickets, while Mitchell Johnson and Glenn McGrath also produced highly effective records. From Kapil Dev and Ajit Agarkar representing India to McDermott, Fleming, Waugh and Zampa representing Australia, every bowler on the list made a significant impact in different periods. The Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches are particularly useful for comparing bowlers because they combine wicket-taking ability with control over runs conceded. While bowling average is not the only measure of success, it remains one of the most useful statistics for understanding how efficiently a bowler performed against a particular opponent. Overall, this ranking demonstrates why Australia vs India ODIs have produced so many memorable bowling performances across different generations.
FAQs
1. Who has the best bowling average in Australia vs India ODI matches?
Brett Lee has the best bowling average among the players in this list. The Australian fast bowler recorded an outstanding average of 21.00 against India in ODIs, taking 55 wickets in 32 matches.
2. How many wickets did Brett Lee take against India in ODIs?
Brett Lee took 55 wickets in 32 ODI matches against India. He conceded 1,155 runs and finished with a bowling average of 21.00, making him the leading player in the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches ranking.
3. Which Indian bowler has the best bowling average against Australia in ODIs?
Among the Indian bowlers in this ranking, Kapil Dev has the best bowling average at 27.68. He took 45 wickets in 41 matches against Australia and conceded 1,246 runs.
4. What was Mitchell Johnson’s bowling average against India in ODIs?
Mitchell Johnson recorded a bowling average of 26.06 against India in ODIs. He took 43 wickets in 27 matches, and his best bowling figures were 5/26.
5. Why is bowling average important in Australia vs India ODIs?
Bowling average is important because it shows how many runs a bowler concedes for every wicket taken. A lower average generally indicates greater efficiency. Therefore, the Best Bowling Averages in Australia vs India ODI Matches help identify bowlers who were particularly effective at taking wickets while restricting the opposition’s runs.