2016 has often been a year of Test match cricket since the ODI World Cup had just concluded in 2015 and the next one is four years away. But the arrival of Champions Trophy next year has moved focus back to ODIs and many teams are playing ODIs over the past few months.
With huge scores and big individual knocks underlining 2015, the focus was less on bowlers. But a change in nature of pitches and slight tweaks in the laws of fielders outside the circles, have brought back bowlers, especially spinners, into the game. This year totals haven't been as tall as in 2015 and bowlers have had more relaxing days.
The new rule has brought about a decrease in the run fest in the last 10 overs, and more wickets have fallen in the death overs due to the extra fielder outside the 30-yard circle. Spinners have been used more in the death as a result and have reaped rewards.
Interestingly, a glance through 2016s top wicket takers reveal 3 leg spinners in the top 5, underlining the fact that attacking spinners have benefitted from the rule change. The two seam bowlers that complete the list will catch many by surprise. Have a look at the list.
#5 Josh Hazlewood
While Mitchell Starc has mostly stolen the limelight with his pace, 1st over wickets and yorkers, his partner in crime, Hazlewood has been silently chipping away at the other end. His line and length bowling and subtle seam movement have accounted for many batsmen.
He has been phenomenal for Australia in all formats this year but has stood out in ODIs capturing 23 wickets in 14 matches at a strike rate of 31.6. He has one five-wicket haul, a 5/50 against the Windies in the Tri-Series that also involved South Africa.
While Australia have had a tough year, Hazlewood has been enjoying a great year with the ball in hand. His best series was the Tri-Series in the Windies where he took 11 wickets at an average of 20.09.
#4 Imran Tahir
The South African leggie has always been in the thick of action ever since his debut. His variations and celebrations have become a common sight for the cricketing world but he continues to bamboozle the batsmen. Interestingly, South Africa's top wicket taker in ODIs this year is a spinner and it is no surprise that it is Tahir.
The phenomenal leggie has 27 wickets in 15 matches this year, at an average of 25.00 and a strike rate of 29.1, the second best among the top 5. His best performance in the year turned out to be his career best as he grabbed a 7/45 against the Windies in the Tri-Series.
Tahir will be a key factor for South Africa going into the Champions Trophy in England. His run containing ability and variations will be a handful on any pitch. He will, however, not be able to add to his wicket tally this year as the Proteas aren't scheduled to play any more ODIs this year.
#3 Adil Rashid
The England leg-spinner had surprised many with his consistent performances in ODIs this year. He has carried on some of that form to Test cricket, having a fine series in India despite his team losing.
Rashid is 2016’s 3rd highest wicket taker with 29 wickets in 17 matches at an average of 28.34. Despite being slightly on the expensive side with an economy of 5.19, Rashid has been pretty handy on any wicket courtesy his variations. He has a strike rate of 32.7 this year and two four-wicket hauls.
Both his four-wicket hauls came against Bangladesh in Chittagong and Dhaka respectively. He took 10 wickets in that three-match series. Rashid will continue to be a key figure in England's limited overs team.
#2 John Hastings
The Australian seamer was the top wicket taker until two days back with 29 wickets in 2016 at an impressive strike rate of 27.1. The tall, hit-the-deck seamer stood out in the absence of Starc and Hazlewood and shouldered the responsibility of the leader of Australia's ODI bowling attack.
He had an impressive series in Lanka capturing 9 wickets in 3 games at an average of 12.88 and a beat of 6/45. He also bowled well against India in January taking 10 wickets in 4 games. His performances, as well as the team’s faded off in South Africa where the Aussies were whitewashed.
Hastings was made the scapegoat in a rather unimpressive display by their seamers and was dropped, much to his and Australian fans' surprise, for the series against the Kiwis.
#1 Adam Zampa
The leggie is the third Australian name in the list and tops the wicket charts for 2016 in ODIs with 30 wickets in 19 games at an average of 27.8. He has not had a single four-wicket or five-wicket haul this year and his best is 3/16.
However, Zampa has been one consistent bowler for Aussies in a poor year for them. His variations and wicket taking ability had made him a favourite in Dhoni's Rising Pune Super Giants franchise in the IPL. He carried on that form for Australia and did quite well in all series he figured for them.
Zampa had 10 wickets in the Tri-Series in the Windies and 9 in Lanka before taking two in the first ODI against New Zealand to overtake Hastings in the wicket takers list for the year. He has the opportunity to add a few more to his tally in the remaining two games.
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