Ollie Robinson has produced a remarkable statistical achievement in Test cricket after moving past India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to claim the best bowling average among bowlers with at least 20 Test appearances since the First World War.
Robinson reached the landmark during England’s second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s. His outstanding performance helped England secure a 194 run victory and take an unassailable 2 0 lead in the three match series. The England pacer finished the match with eight wickets for 35 runs across Pakistan’s two innings.
Following his performance, Robinson’s career bowling average improved to 19.53 after 23 Test matches. He has taken 99 wickets in 43 innings, leaving him just one wicket short of reaching the 100 wicket milestone.
Before Robinson’s latest achievement, Jasprit Bumrah held the benchmark with a Test bowling average of 19.79. Bumrah has taken 234 wickets in 52 Test matches. Robinson has now moved ahead of the Indian pacer despite having played fewer than half as many Tests.
The statistical record becomes even more notable when viewed over a broader historical period. According to the current record comparison, only a small group of bowlers from before the First World War have recorded better career averages. Robinson’s 19.53 is therefore the best such figure achieved in more than a century among bowlers meeting the minimum requirement of 20 Test matches.
Robinson’s record came after another highly effective bowling display at Lord’s. Pakistan began their second innings chasing 389 runs for victory, but England quickly put pressure on the batting order.
Robinson struck early, removing Azan Awais and Abdullah Shafique in the fifth over of the innings. Jofra Archer then added another key wicket when he dismissed Babar Azam, leaving Pakistan in serious difficulty at 14 for 3.
Pakistan then showed some resistance through Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood. The pair added 97 runs for the fourth wicket and briefly gave the visitors hope of extending the match. Robinson broke the partnership by dismissing Masood, before Pakistan’s lower order was eventually removed.
Robinson finished with second innings figures of 4 for 24. Combined with his 4 for 11 in Pakistan’s first innings, his match total stood at eight wickets for 35 runs. He was subsequently named Player of the Match for his contribution to England’s comprehensive victory.
The achievement marks a major turnaround for Robinson, whose international career had been interrupted by a lengthy period away from England’s Test side. He returned to the team this summer after a 27 month absence and has immediately made a significant impact.
His recent success has largely been built on accuracy, seam movement and disciplined bowling rather than extreme pace. His ability to repeatedly hit a challenging length has made him particularly effective in conditions offering movement for seam bowlers.
Robinson had already impressed during the first Test of the Pakistan series and continued that form at Lord’s. His eight wicket match haul took his series tally to 16 wickets from the first two Tests, placing him among the leading performers in the series.
His performance also played a major role in England’s first home Test series victory in two years. The hosts had entered the series under pressure after a difficult period in Test cricket, but consecutive wins at Headingley and Lord’s have provided a significant boost.
The second Test itself was dominated by England’s bowling attack. Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in the first innings and 194 in the second after being set a target of 389. Saud Shakeel offered the strongest resistance with a score of 97, but England’s seamers maintained pressure throughout the chase.
Robinson’s achievement also places him in a statistical category involving some of the most effective bowlers in Test history. While Bumrah remains one of the leading fast bowlers of the modern era, Robinson’s current average has moved slightly below the Indian pacer’s mark.
The comparison needs to be viewed in context because bowling averages can change throughout a player’s career. Robinson has played only 23 Tests, while Bumrah has appeared in 52. A longer career can significantly alter a bowler’s average as conditions, opposition and form change over time.
Even so, reaching an average of 19.53 after more than 20 Test matches is an exceptional achievement. Robinson’s current figures show just how consistently he has taken wickets while conceding relatively few runs.
The England pacer’s next immediate milestone is 100 Test wickets. He needs only one more wicket to reach the landmark. Given his current form, that milestone could arrive during the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, which begins on September 9.
Robinson’s return has been one of the notable stories of England’s summer. After concerns about his fitness and pace during his absence from international cricket, he has responded with consistently strong performances.
His success has also benefited from England’s four man pace attack. With Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue providing support, Robinson has been able to concentrate on accuracy and sustained pressure. The approach has proved effective against a Pakistan batting line up that has struggled in the series.
England captain Joe Root praised Robinson and the bowling group after the Lord’s victory. The team’s ability to take wickets regularly allowed England to control the second Test from the beginning.
For Pakistan, the result leaves them facing another difficult challenge ahead of the final Test. They must improve their batting performance if they are to avoid a 3 0 series defeat. Their first two matches have been marked by repeated top order collapses, putting significant pressure on the lower order.
For Robinson, however, the focus is now on continuing his resurgence. His current career average of 19.53 has moved him ahead of Bumrah and into a historic position in the Test record books.
The achievement does not mean Robinson has definitively established himself as the greatest Test bowler of the modern era. Statistical rankings can change as careers progress, and the current comparison is based on a minimum of 20 Tests. Nevertheless, moving past Bumrah’s 19.79 mark is a significant accomplishment.
Robinson’s 99 wickets from 23 Tests also show how close he is to another major milestone. Reaching 100 wickets would provide an additional highlight to his comeback summer.
The broader story is one of consistency and revival. Robinson returned to international cricket after a long absence and has quickly become one of England’s most important Test bowlers. His performances against Pakistan have not only helped England win the series but have also placed his name alongside historic figures in Test bowling statistics.
With the third Test approaching, Robinson will have another opportunity to strengthen his record. For now, his 19.53 career bowling average stands above Bumrah’s 19.79 among bowlers with at least 20 Tests in the modern historical period, making his Lord’s performance an important chapter in England’s successful series against Pakistan.