Top 5 Test wicket-takers in 2017
In what was an action-packed year for Test cricket, as many as 47 matches took place in the premier format of the game during 2017. The calendar year began when South Africa hammered Sri Lanka by 282 runs at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town and ended when Australia staved off England's challenge at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to maintain their supremacy in the ongoing Ashes series.
Also Read: Top 5 ODI wicket-takers in 2017
In this particular segment, let us take a close look at the top five wicket-takers in Tests which took place in 2017. Three accurate finger spinners, a seasoned master of swing and a tearaway pacer comprise the most prolific bowlers in the calendar year. While India have two representatives in the top five, the remaining three slots see one each from Australia, England and South Africa.
#5 Ravindra Jadeja - 54 wickets
The 2017 edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy saw Ravindra Jadeja turn from support bowler to key operator. Impeccable control and stifling accuracy helped the left-arm spinner remain a potent threat right throughout the year. From 10 matches in the calendar year, he picked up 54 wickets at an impressive average of 23.05 and strike-rate of 56.5 including three five-wicket hauls.
The all-rounder's finest spell in 2017 came against Australia in a crucial match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With India scoring just 189 runs in their first-innings, the onus fell on the bowlers to resurrect their fortunes. Jadeja scalped six wickets at the cost of just 63 runs and played a vital role in restricting the visitors' lead to 87 runs. Eventually, the match as well as series went on to turn in India's favour.