Top 5 Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs

India and England have shared a long and competitive history in One Day International cricket, with several Indian bowlers producing memorable performances against England. Bowling average is one of the key statistics used to measure a bowler’s effectiveness, as it shows the number of runs conceded for each wicket taken. A lower average generally indicates that a bowler has been more consistent and successful at dismissing opposition batters. The Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs ranking highlights five Indian bowlers who have produced impressive numbers against England across different periods.

In this list, the bowlers are ranked from number 5 to number 1 based on their bowling averages, while their matches and wickets also provide important context. Kapil Dev, R Ashwin, Harbhajan Singh, J Srinath and Ravindra Jadeja all feature among the leading performers. From Kapil Dev’s economical spells to Jadeja’s combination of wickets and consistency, each bowler has made a significant contribution. The Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs therefore offers an interesting comparison of India’s most effective bowlers in this ODI rivalry.

List of 5 Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs

5. Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev ranks fifth among the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs with an average of 28.07. He played 23 matches against England between 1981 and 1993 and took 28 wickets. Kapil Dev was an important part of India’s bowling attack during his career and was known for combining pace, accuracy and control. His 28 wickets came from 23 ODIs, while he conceded 786 runs during the period covered by these statistics. His economy rate of 3.76 was the best among the five bowlers in this ranking, showing how effectively he could restrict England’s scoring.

Kapil Dev’s record remains notable when looking at the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs, particularly because his figures came during an earlier era of ODI cricket. He bowled 209 overs and delivered 1,254 balls, including 22 maiden overs. His best bowling performance against England was 3/35. Although his average of 28.07 places him fifth, his excellent economy rate and ability to maintain pressure make his record an important part of India’s ODI history against England.

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave
Kapil Dev	1981-1993	23	28	28.07

4. R Ashwin

R Ashwin occupies fourth position in the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs with a bowling average of 28.00. Ashwin played 23 ODIs against England between 2011 and 2017 and claimed 35 wickets. His 35 wickets are significantly higher than Kapil Dev’s 28 wickets, although Ashwin’s average is only slightly better. During this period, Ashwin bowled 191.2 overs, delivered 1,148 balls, and conceded 980 runs. His best bowling figures were 3/28.

Ashwin’s record adds considerable strength to the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs ranking because of his ability to take wickets consistently. His strike rate of 32.80 indicates that he was able to make breakthroughs at regular intervals, while his economy rate was 5.12. Although his economy rate was higher than those of several other bowlers on this list, his 35 wickets in 23 matches demonstrate his effectiveness against England. His overall numbers place him comfortably among India’s leading bowlers in this comparison.

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave
R Ashwin	2011-2017	23	35	28.00

3. Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh takes third place in the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs, recording an impressive bowling average of 25.33. He played 23 ODIs against England between 2002 and 2011 and collected 36 wickets. He bowled 217 overs and sent down 1,302 balls during those matches, conceding 912 runs. His figures show a strong combination of wicket-taking ability and control, allowing him to rank ahead of both Ashwin and Kapil Dev in terms of bowling average.

Harbhajan’s statistics make him one of the most successful names in the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs list. His best bowling performance was 5/31, and he recorded two five-wicket hauls against England. He also bowled 12 maiden overs and maintained an economy rate of 4.20. His strike rate stood at 36.16. With 36 wickets from 23 matches and an average of 25.33, Harbhajan produced a highly effective record against England and played an important role in India’s bowling performances during his period.

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave
Harbhajan Singh	2002-2011	23	36	25.33

READ MORE: Top 10 Bowlers with the Most Wickets in England vs India ODIs

2. J Srinath

Javagal Srinath is second in the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs with an excellent average of 23.68. Srinath played 21 matches against England between 1992 and 2003 and took 35 wickets. He bowled 189 overs and delivered 1,134 balls, conceding 829 runs. His record shows how effective India’s fast-bowling attack could be against England, particularly during the 1990s. Despite playing fewer matches than some other bowlers on this list, Srinath produced an outstanding average.

Srinath’s numbers are particularly impressive in the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs because he combined regular wicket-taking with good control. His best bowling figures were 5/41, and he recorded one five-wicket haul against England. He also bowled 14 maiden overs, while his economy rate was 4.38 and his strike rate was 32.40. His 35 wickets from only 21 matches helped him secure second place, with his 23.68 average putting him just behind the leading bowler.

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave
J Srinath	1992-2003	21	35	23.68

1. RA Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja leads the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs ranking with the lowest bowling average of 22.51. Jadeja played 28 matches against England between 2011 and 2025, which is the highest number of appearances among the five bowlers. He took 45 wickets, the highest wicket tally in the ranking, while conceding 1,013 runs. His combination of a low bowling average and high number of wickets makes him the standout performer in this group.

Jadeja’s overall record clearly explains why he is number one among the Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs. He bowled 218.3 overs and delivered 1,311 balls, with a best bowling performance of 4/28. He recorded two four-wicket hauls and finished with an economy rate of 4.63. His strike rate of 29.13 was also the best among these five bowlers, showing that he took wickets more frequently. With 45 wickets in 28 matches and an average of 22.51, Jadeja has the strongest overall record in this ranking.

Player	Span	Mat	Wkts	Ave
RA Jadeja	2011-2025	28	45	22.51

The Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs ranking shows the consistency and wicket-taking ability of India’s leading bowlers across different generations. Ravindra Jadeja takes the top position with an average of 22.51 and 45 wickets in 28 matches. Javagal Srinath follows with 23.68, while Harbhajan Singh ranks third with 25.33 and 36 wickets. R Ashwin and Kapil Dev complete the top five with averages of 28.00 and 28.07 respectively.

Overall, these statistics highlight how Indian bowlers have consistently challenged England’s batting line-up in ODI cricket. Jadeja’s combination of the lowest average and highest wicket tally gives him the strongest record in this list, while Srinath, Harbhajan, Ashwin and Kapil Dev also made valuable contributions. The Best Bowling Averages for England vs India in ODIs therefore provide a useful way to compare some of India’s most effective bowlers in this historic ODI rivalry.

FAQs