Australia, alongside England, is one of the oldest nations in international cricket. They played their first-ever ODI match in 1971, defeating England at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Since then, the Australian cricket team has produced numerous legendary players who have elevated the nation’s stature in world cricket, securing the ODI World Cup title a record six times
5. Mitchell Starc – 239 Wickets
Mitchell Starc is one of the premier left-arm seamers in world cricket today. A key player in Australia’s ICC ODI World Cup 2015 victory, where he claimed 22 wickets, Starc’s ODI career has been outstanding. Since making his debut against India in Visakhapatnam in October 2010, he has played 122 matches and taken 239 wickets at an impressive average of 22.88. His ODI career includes 12 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls.
4. Mitchell Johnson – 239 Wickets
Mitchell Johnson, one of Australia’s most feared bowlers, is their fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket. Debuting against New Zealand in December 2005, Johnson played 153 matches and claimed 239 wickets at an average of 25.26. His career included 9 four-wicket hauls and 3 five-wicket hauls. Johnson’s tenacious pace and aggression were pivotal in Australia’s success, and he retired in 2015 after an illustrious career.
3. Shane Warne – 291 Wickets
The late Shane Warne, one of the greatest leg-spinners in cricket history, was the first Australian spinner to take over 250 wickets in ODIs. Warne made his ODI debut against New Zealand in March 1993 and went on to claim 291 wickets in 194 matches. His remarkable career included 12 four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul. Warne’s untimely passing in 2022 left a lasting legacy in world cricket.
2. Glenn McGrath – 381 Wickets
Known as “Pigeon,” Glenn McGrath is regarded as one of the most accurate bowlers in ODI history. He made his debut in December 1993 and continued until the 2007 ODI World Cup final. McGrath took 381 wickets in 250 matches, with 249 for Australia and 1 for the ICC ODI XI. His career also boasts 9 four-wicket hauls and 7 five-wicket hauls. McGrath holds the ODI World Cup record for most wickets (71) and best bowling figures (7/15).
1. Brett Lee – 380 Wickets
Brett Lee, one of Australia’s greatest fast bowlers, was known for his lethal pace and accuracy. Debuting in 2000, Lee became the second Australian bowler to surpass 350 ODI wickets. Over his career, Lee played 221 ODIs, taking 380 wickets at an average of 23.36. His record includes 14 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls, cementing his place as one of the most prolific fast bowlers in ODI cricket history.