Year in Review: Top 10 bowlers in Test cricket in 2013

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As another year passes by, we can look back on what has been a time filled with wonderful performances on the cricket field. 2013 was a year that saw Test cricket at its engrossing best. 2013 was also a year filled with memorable individual performances. There were great innings from the batsman to be savoured, but there was a contest between bat and ball, and that meant that the bowlers were not left too far behind.

Here is a look at the top 10 bowlers in Test matches in 2013

1. Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander

When one is at the top of the ICC Rankings, it is hard to look beyond him as the best bowler in Tests in 2013. Philander has taken 35 wickets from 7 tests at a measly average of 16.99. Philander’s combination of a nagging line and length, and his ability to move the ball in the air, and off the pitch, more than compensates for his lack of pace. It helped that he had partners like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, and with Imran Tahir also doing a decent job when called on, Philander was supported well enough. But, he still had to let the ball do the talking, and that, he achieved with considerable success.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

India have played 7 tests so far in 2013, 6 of them at home. No surprise then, that a spinner has been their best bowler through the year. But, it wasn’t as easy as it looks for Ashwin. He had a poor series against England last year, and was criticized heavily for not doing justice to his ability. Against Australia earlier this year, Ashwin left all the fancy stuff in his locker, and stuck to his off-break, with variations in his pace. It was a change that worked wonders for Ashwin, as he picked up 29 wickets in 4 Tests on his way to bagging the Man of the Series award. Ashwin was also very reliable in the recent Sachin Tendulkar swansong series against the West Indies, picking up 12 wickets in 4 innings. 41 wickets in 7 games this year, and Ashwin has well and truly answered his critics.