10 Cricketers who need to step up before the end of the year

#2 Mitchell McClenaghan

McClenaghan’s wickets have come at an expensive price

Mitchell McClenaghan is a talented bowler. He is a spirited bowler too. He gives it his all. However, McClenaghan is just as capable of a burst of excellent bowling as he is of leaking runs and big overs.

In ODIs, he has played 33 matches in the last two years. A natural wicket-taker, he has taken 47 wickets during this period. Three four wicket hauls is above average but he goes at 36.65 per wicket at an economy of 6.36. That is the highest economy rate in ODIs amongst the top 50 wicket-takers in the last two years.

In other words, McClenaghan takes wickets but goes for plenty. The New Zealand bowling unit is bustling these days with a lot of options. Trent Boult and Tim Southee swing the ball. Adam Milne can cross 150kph with ease. Matt Henry can crank it up as well. McClenaghan has his job cut out if he needs to cement his place as a consistent seam bowling option for New Zealand.