England is one of the oldest nations to play international cricket and was also part of the first-ever One-Day International (ODI) match, which took place in 1971 against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Over the years, England has produced numerous legendary cricketers who have elevated the country’s cricketing stature on the world stage. Among these, their bowlers have played a pivotal role in the team’s continued success in ODIs.
5. Chris Woakes – 173 Wickets
All-rounder Chris Woakes made his ODI debut against Australia in Sydney in January 2011 and has been a vital asset for England ever since. Apart from contributing valuable runs with the bat, Woakes has consistently delivered with the ball. The 35-year-old has taken 173 wickets in 122 matches, including 11 four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls, maintaining an impressive presence in England’s ODI lineup.
4. Stuart Broad – 178 Wickets
Stuart Broad, one of England’s premier seamers, made his ODI debut against Pakistan in Cardiff in 2006. He retired from ODI cricket after playing his final match against South Africa in Cape Town in 2016. Over his 10-year career, Broad appeared in 121 matches, taking 178 wickets at an average of 30.13, with 9 four-wicket hauls and 1 five-wicket haul, establishing himself as a key figure in England’s bowling attack.
3. Adil Rashid – 201 Wickets
Adil Rashid, regarded as one of England’s finest leg-spinners, is the only spin bowler to have taken over 200 wickets for England in ODIs. The 36-year-old has claimed 201 wickets in 137 matches, with an average of 32.22. Rashid’s career includes 8 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls, cementing his place as a key contributor to England’s bowling lineup in the limited-overs format.
2. Darren Gough – 235 Wickets
Darren Gough, a legendary right-arm speedster, is England’s second-highest wicket-taker in ODI cricket. Gough made his debut against New Zealand in Birmingham in May 1994 and played his last ODI in September 2006 against Pakistan at Lord’s. Over his career, Gough played 159 matches, taking 235 wickets at an average of 26.42, along with 10 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls.
1. James Anderson – 269 Wickets
James Anderson, one of the greatest bowlers in both Test and ODI cricket, is England’s highest wicket-taker in both formats. With numerous match-winning performances in ODIs, Anderson claimed 269 wickets in 194 matches, maintaining an average of 29.22. Throughout his illustrious career from 2002 to 2015, the right-arm seamer took 11 four-wicket hauls and 2 five-wicket hauls, solidifying his legacy as a legendary figure in English cricket.