IPL History: Top 3 Australian bowlers to have played in the league

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 auction is only days away now. Although there were fears over the event scheduled to be held in Kolkata on 19 December owing to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, it has been confirmed that the auction will go ahead in the city.

The final player list for the auction was recently released by the BCCI. 332 cricketers will go under the hammer at the IPL auction. Among those with the highest base price of Rs. 2 crore are Aussies Glenn Maxwell, Chris Lynn and Pat Cummins.

South African pacer Dale Steyn and veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews have also listed themselves at a base price of Rs. 2 crore. The eight franchises will bid for only 73 spots that are vacant.

A number of Australian bowlers have impressed in the IPL over the years. In this feature, we take a look at the top three Aussie bowlers to have featured in the tournament.

#1 Mitchell Johnson

Mitchell Johnson

Retired left-arm pacer Mitchell Johnson is the most successful Australian bowler in the league. In 54 matches from 2013-2018, Johnson claimed 61 wickets at an average of 27.90 and a strike rate of 20.1. He had a slightly higher economy rate of 8.28.

During the course of his IPL career, Johnson represented Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians.

Johnson was the joint third-highest wicket-taker in the 2013 edition. Playing for Mumbai Indians, when he was still at the top of his game, the Aussie picked up 24 wickets in 17 matches at a strike rate of 16, and an average of 19.12. He also maintained an impressive economy rate of 7.17.

Johnson played a key role in the final against Chennai Super Kings, dismissing Murali Vijay and Subramaniam Badrinath, as Mumbai lifted their maiden title.

He had a decent run in the 2014 edition as well, with 17 scalps at a strike rate of 18.88. Johnson’s last season was with KKR, in which he managed only two wickets from six games.

#2 James Faulkner

James Faulkner

Former Aussie all-rounder James Faulkner also had a reasonably good IPL career. In 60 matches from 2011-2017, Faulkner picked up 59 wickets at a strike rate of 20.7, and an average of 30.13.

Although his economy rate was on the higher side (8.69), Faulkner was seen as a match-winner, as evident from the fact that he claimed two five-fors in his IPL career.

Faulkner represented Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, Pune Warriors and Rajasthan Royals during his time with the T20 league. He stood out in the 2018 season for the Royals, with 28 wickets from 16 matches at a strike rate of 13.53.

Faulkner was the second highest-wicket taker in the season, and both of his five wicket-hauls came in the same edition, against the same franchise.

On 27 April 2013 Faulkner claimed 5/20 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Jaipur, and the Royals ran out winners by eight wickets. He also picked up 5/16 against Sunrisers at Hyderabad (Deccan) on 17 May 2013, but this time Rajasthan lost the match by 23 runs.

Faulkner bowed out of IPL in 2017, managing only six wickets in eight matches while playing for Gujarat Lions.

#3 Shane Warne

Shane Warne

Aussie spin wizard Shane Warne, who led an unfancied Rajasthan Royals to triumph in the inaugural edition in 2008, had a reasonable run with the ball as well.

Warne represented Royals from 2008-2011, during which he featured in 55 matches and claimed 57 wickets. The retired leggie had an impressive strike rate of 20.9, while he averaged 25.38 with a highly acceptable economy of 7.27.

Warne led from the front in the 2008 edition, with 19 wickets in 15 games at a strike rate of 16.42. He was, in fact, the second highest-wicket taker in the season.

Although Royals could not repeat their heroics in 2009, Warne had a decent run, picking up 14 scalps at a strike rate of 21.42.

By the time the 2011 edition came along, Warne was well past his prime. He finished his last IPL season with 13 wickets in as many games. His name, however, will remain forever associated with Rajasthan Royals, as the only captain to lead the franchise to victory.