Top 5 ODI wicket takers in 2016

 Josh Hazlewood: Australia’s unsung hero

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.