Top 5 bowlers of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013

The batsmen have learnt a few new tricks in the trade with the development of the shorter format of the game. It means that they are a lot more confident in the last few overs and with the introduction of batting power-plays, the game just can’t get any more friendly for the batsmen. This change has been reflected in the Champions Trophy as teams try to preserve wickets in the opening overs with two new balls being used from different ends, so that they can launch an attack in the last 15 overs. In such a situation, the roles that the bowlers play have changed drastically. The idea is to have a wicket-taking bowler upfront even if it means suffering a few blows, shackling the run rate in the middle overs with spin and have specialist death bowler operating at the end of the innings.

This Champions Trophy has seen the bowlers work hard for their wickets as the pitches have not been the most traditional. They have not assisted the bowlers a lot if we exclude the two semi-finals that gave a lot more encouragement to the fast bowlers. Inspite of that, there have been a number of low scoring matches in which the bowlers dominated the stage.

Here is a list of the Top 5 bowlers who have tilted the scales in favour of their respected sides.

5. Ryan McLaren: 8 Wickets @ Econ. 5.44

The South African had to step up to the occasion in the absence of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn. The tall right-handed bowler is neither of express pace nor prodigious swing but he stuck to a line and length on surfaces that helped the bowlers in the first few overs, and was rewarded. His role in South Africa’s charge to the semi-finals was the most important. He spelt doom for Pakistan as he finished with remarkable figures of 4/19 in his 8 overs. He bowled the final delivery of the match against the West Indies that was tied on the basis of the dismissal of Kieron Pollard off that ball once scores were redone according to the D/L method.

4. Mitchell McClenaghan: 11 Wickets @ Econ. 6.04

The fact that New Zealand don’t have any batsmen up there on the scoring cards with significant runs was their undoing in this tournament. They looked a terrific side when this tournament began, coming off a 2-1 win over the eventual finalists England. McClenaghan broke Sri Lanka’s back with a terrific spell in the only match that New Zealand were able to win in the tournament. He ended with figures of 4/43 in 8.5 overs. He repeated the performance against Australia, finishing with 4/65 in 10 overs. He is still the tournament’s highest wicket taker but unfortunately his contributions could not spell success for the Kiwis.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 6 Wickets @ 3.68

The swing bowler has been India’s most potent weapon and is on this list ahead of Ishant Sharma inspite of taking two wickets less. It is due to his efforts upfront that India has been able to shackle the opposition. His ability to swing the new ball both ways would not be such a weapon if he was not a street smart cricketer, especially when he does not boast of a lot of pace. MS Dhoni realizes the limitations of his ability and tries to allow him to bowl as many overs as possible upfront. He has the responsibility of getting India the early breakthrough, as he did against the West Indies by dismissing Chris Gayle.

2. Ravindra Jadeja: 10 wickets @ Econ. 3.51

The only spinner on this list and an unlikely one. Most people saw Ravindra Jadeja when he came to this tournament as a part-time bowler but his wicket taking abilities have eclipsed R. Ashwin. That is not to say he is more skilled. Certainly not. He relies a lot on the natural variation that he derives off the pitch and maintains an impeccable line and length. He took a five-for against the West Indies and has chipped in with wickets in every match. His economy rate is an indication of the role he plays for MS Dhoni in the middle overs. His spell played a significant role for India in the fixture against South Africa.

1. James Anderson: 10 wickets @ Econ. 3.84

James Anderson has spearheaded the English bowling attack in this tournament. His fiery spell against South Africa in the semi-final was a viewer’s delight as he forced the Proteas to surrender. He finished with a single wicket in that game but that belies the contribution he made as wickets tumbled due to the pressure he created. He finished with 3/30 in 10 overs against arch rivals Australia. He plays a dual role for his team, picking up wickets with the new ball and finishing off the innings as a death bowler for his team. His contribution to this competition has been priceless and he will have the opportunity to strike the final blow in the final.