Australia is one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. Particularly in ODIs, Australia has the legacy of winning the most ODI World Cups and Champions Trophy. Australia is the only team to win three World Cup tournaments in a row. The men in yellow achieved an incredible feat in the period 1999-2007.
Australia has won the ODI World Cup under four different captains. The island nation won the World Cup under Allan Border in 1987, Steve Waugh in 1999, Ricky Ponting in 2003 and 2007, and Michael Clarke in 2015. In each of these tournaments, the bowlers played a crucial role in helping their team win the tournament. Here are the top bowling spells by the Australian bowlers in the format.
1. Glenn Mcgrath’s 7/15 against Namibia
Defending the target of 302 against Namibia, Glenn Mcgrath ran through the Namibian batting lineup. The Australian leader of the attack dismissed 6 out of the top 7 batters of Namibia. In 7 overs, Mcgrath bowled 4 maiden overs, claimed 7 wickets, and conceded only 15 runs. He is the best bowling figure in the history of the ODI World Cup.
2. Andy Bichel’s 7/19 against England
In the 2003 ODI World Cup, England witnessed an exceptional bowling spell from Andy Bichel. As a first change, Bichel bowled one of the most sensational spells in the history of the ODI World Cup. Bichel dismissed 7 out of the 8 batters in the innings. In 10 overs, Bichel conceded only 20 runs and claimed 7 wickets.
3. Garry Gilmour’s 6/14 against England
In the first World Cup in 1975, Australia played England in the semifinals at Headingley, in one of the most bowler-friendly wickets. Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first. Garry Gilmour bowled a sensational spell and claimed 6 wickets for just 14 runs. Gilmour dismissed 6 out of the top 7 batters and helped Australia to win the match.