George Lohmann (England) has the best career bowling average in Test cricket - 10.75 runs per wicket (minimum 2000 balls bowled). Playing in the 1880s-90s, Lohmann took 112 wickets in just 15 Tests at a sensational average. Billy Bates has 16.42, John Ferris has 17.58, and 'Billy Barnes' was confused - there was Sydney Barnes (23.39), but no Billy Barnes meeting the criteria.