Data check: A look at the best bowling captains in cricket history

Australia’s fast bowling attack ripped through England to dismiss the visitors for 147 on the stroke of tea on the opening day of the first Test at the Gabba on Wednesday.

Mitchell Starc bowled England opener Rory Burns with the first ball of the series and wickets followed regularly thereafter, despite a brief fightback from Jos Buttler (39) and Ollie Pope (35).

Australia’s Pat Cummins enjoyed a memorable debut as Test captain, taking 5-38.

Five-wkt hauls in the first Test as Aussie captain
6/155 – George Giffen at MCG 1894
5/38 – Pat Cummins at Brisbane 2021#Ashes #Ashes2021

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) December 8, 2021

Pakistan’s Imran Khan had the best bowling average in his time as skipper of the national side. He claimed 187 wickets at an incredible average of 20.26.

For India, Kapil Dev claimed 111 wickets in his 34 Tests in charge at an average of 26.35. The best Indian bowling captain in terms of bowling average though was Bishan Singh Bedi, who averaged 24.82 for his 106 wickets.