5 highest wicket-takers in Test Cricket in 2017
Test cricket, being the epitome of cricketing skill, has always 'tested' the qualities of a player. Unlike the other formats, the game hardly changes here in a jiff. However, the sport has shifted in favor of the batsmen by introducing shorter formats of the game where the bowling job is somewhat of a humiliation.
Although the 5-day game offers a hectic task for the bowlers, they have a great amount of time for planning things out. This department has to set the game by castling the opposing team's batting order early. They have to keep bamboozling the batters of the opposition using all their varieties.
2017 has been a great year for Test cricket. Afghanistan and Ireland were approved as full members of the ICC and got their Test status as well in the middle of this year. They will soon start playing the most tremendous format of the game in 2018. With the new members joining the family, here is the list of 5 highest wicket-takers in Tests in 2017.
#5 Ravindra Jadeja ― 54 wickets
Ravindra Jadeja has been an important part of India's Test team since his debut. Although the all-rounder was dropped on a few occasions, he kept performing consistently in the Ranji Trohpy and earning himself a national call.
Despite missing the New Zealand series this year, the 29-year-old has obtained a spot in this list. With a bowling average of 23.05, he picked up 54 wickets in the 10 matches he has played.
He had the most maidens in Tests in 2017 with 130 overs being bowled by him without allowing a single run. He had 3 five-wicket hauls and acquired his best bowling-figures this year in a match against Australia where he took 6 wickets conceding 63 runs. With such impressive figures backing him, Jadeja will surely look to top the rankings next year.
#4 James Anderson ― 55 wickets
James Anderson is not having a good time lately as his team have suffered a 3-0 deficit in the 5-match Ashes series, with a Test yet to be played. But his individual performance was amazing as he crossed the 500-wicket landmark this year and became the first English bowler to have achieved the feat.
With his artistic ability to swing the ball, this man scalped 55 wickets in the 11 Tests he has played this year, while maintaining an average of 17.58. This man also possesses the top spot in ICC Test bowlers' rankings.
The 35-year-old took 4 fifers this year, with his career best performance of 7/42 in an innings against West Indies. He will definitely look forward to bag as much wickets as he can in year 2018.
#3 Ravichandran Ashwin ― 56 wickets
The flamboyant off-spinner made his mark in IPL games before his inclusion in the national team. Then he exhibited his brilliance in Tests as well and became the spearhead of the Indian spin attack.
Averaging 27.58 runs per wicket, the 31-year-old got 56 wickets in 11 matches in 2017. His best performance came when he took 6 wickets allowing 41 runs in a 75-run win against Austaralia in Bangalore.
The offspinner will look back fondly on an impressive 2017 and will surely anticipate more success in 2018.
#2 Kagiso Rabada ― 57 wickets
South African starlet Kagiso Rabada has quickly turned himself into a potential leader of his team's bowling attack since his debut. It is really mesmerizing to see the young lad leaving some of the veteran bowlers behind in order to grab this place in this list.
Rabada took 3 five-wicket hauls and 2 ten-wicket hauls this year on his way of hauling an astounding 57 scalps. His best bowling figure of 6/55 in an innings against Sri Lanka this year and an average of 20.28 is a testament to the fact that this 22-year-old has a lot to offer to the game itself.
His statistics in 2017 will surely boost his desire to contribute as much as he can to his team for years to come.
#1 Nathan Lyon ― 63 wickets
Helping his team regaining the Urn, Nathan Lyon is surely the right person to top this list. His journey has been like a joyride; he had taken up a job on the Adelaide Oval groundstaff before his national debut, then his bowling talent was spotted by the Redbacks' Big Bash coach Darren Berry and he became a regular face in the team within 8 months.
In 2017, Lyon picked up 63 wickets in 11 matches with an average of 23.55. He took an amazing 5 fifers and also a ten-wicket haul this year.
The 30-year-old will undoubtedly try to carry on his good run in 2018 as well and deliver according to whatever is required.
