2013 in Review: Top 10 ODI bowlers of the year

8. James Anderson

James Anderson

He had an amazing Ashes back home with 22 wickets in 5 games. As regards ODI cricket, he was up among the wickets as well, taking 23 wickets in just the 10 games he played this year. He had one of the best bowling averages (15.26) and one of the healthiest strike rates as well, getting a wicket almost every 22 balls.

He has been England’s key bowler and has been up there among the best bowlers for almost a decade now. He had good outings again this year, against New Zealand playing at home and away, and in the Champions Trophy as well in which England ended as runners-up where he took 11 wickets in 5 games. His best performance came at Napier against the Kiwis where he ended with figures of 5/34, a game England won comfortably by 8 wickets. With Anderson you just assume he will produce some classy swing bowling and give you wickets early on. He is the one to look up to for any youngster who aspires to be a swing bowler.

The thing that is most amazing about him is how long he has been the same-running in to open the attack for England and striking more often than not. He will be a treat to watch as long as he continues to play.

7. Mohammad Irfan

Mohammad Irfan

This giant, who although made a late entry into international cricket at 31, has managed to turn all heads. Not sideways, but upwards. His more than 7 feet high body running in to bowl deliveries at 140 plus can be intimidating for any batsman, however classy he may be. Add to that the bounce he generates because of his height, and the fact that he hits the right areas most of the time, and it is not surprising that he is one of the most successful wicket-takers of the year gone by with 38 successes with an amazing economy of less than 4.50 in the 24 games he played.

He had a particularly good time against South Africa when Pakistan toured in March and also during their series in November, where he picked up wickets almost every time he bowled. His 4/33 at the Centurion was the highlight of his year, in a game that Pakistan won by 6 wickets, and he bagged Man of the Match.

Now that Pakistan have found this amazing potential, it is up to them to tap it. They have to make sure he remains fit and keeps playing regular international cricket if they have to reap the benefits of having such a tall quickie in their ranks. He can be equally effective in Test cricket too, if given proper opportunities.