ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Top 5 bowlers to watch out for
ICC Champions Trophy 2017 should provide a level field to bowlers because of the seam assisting elements in the pitch and weather conditions in the UK
With pitches getting more benign these days, cricket is more a batsman’s game than ever. But you still need bowlers to get those wickets and win the matches. England, for a change, should provide a level field to bowlers because of the seam assisting elements in the pitch and weather conditions. With that mind, here’s looking at the top five bowlers who may prove menacing. (ICC Champions Trophy full coverage)
Mitchell Starc (Australia)
Mitchell Starc has been a mainstay of the Australian bowling attack for quite some time now. The 27-year old left-arm swing bowler has been enjoying a good run of form recently and he was one of the best performers for his team in the ODI series against Pakistan earlier this year. With 129 wickets from 65 matches, Starc has already established himself as a world-class fast bowler. Although he has suffered some serious injuries, Starc has always come back with more grit and dedication. Starc was slated to take part in the Indian Premier League this year, but he pulled out at the last moment. Instead, he decided to work on his bowling ahead of the 2017 Champions Trophy.
Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)
Mohammad Amir was hailed as the next ‘big thing’ of Pakistan cricket but a spot-fixing scandal tainted the cricketer before he could prove himself completely. However, in 2016, he finished his five-year ban and his comeback was nothing short of brilliant. He played a major role in Pakistan’s campaign in the 2016 Asia Cup and against England, he became the first cricketer to score a half century in ODIs after coming last in the batting order. Now, the swing exponent will be leading the Pakistan bowling attack once again and winning the Champions Trophy can be the perfect headline to his comeback story.
READ | ICC Champions Trophy: Top 5 batsmen to watch out for in upcoming edition
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
Kagiso Rabada made his ODI debut just two years ago, but his impact for South Africa has been significant. With 57 wickets from 34 matches, he has proved his mettle consistently and thanks to his performances, he is currently fifth in the ICC ODI rankings. Earlier this year, he was the highest wicket-taker for his team as South Africa completed a historic ODI series win over New Zealand.
Rabada was part of the Delhi Daredevils team this year in the Indian Premier League and although his performance did not light the stage on fire, he was quite disciplined with the ball. With Dale Steyn nearing the end of his career, Rabada looks to be the next pace spearhead for the Proteas.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)
A major problem for India has been their death over bowling. However, it seems that they have found their solution in Bhuvneshwar Kumar who for the past two-three years has redefined India’s performance in the slog overs. Bhuvneshwar’s nagging lengths in the death overs have been one of the biggest reasons Indian and IPL captains have persisted with him.
In fact, given the English conditions, Bhuvneshwar seems perfect for India with his ability to swing the ball at the start and hit fuller lengths towards the end. His IPL display --- leading the bowling table with 25 wickets with an economy of less than seven --- promises an excellent outing in the Champions Trophy.
Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh)
The 21-year old fast bowler burst onto the international stage in 2015 when he dismantled the Indian batting line-up in Mirpur. The youngster became the second Bangladesh bowler to take five wickets on his debut and he has not slowed down since then.
He has featured in both domestic and international T20 leagues and he ended the 2016 Indian Premier League as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s most successful bowler. With 36 wickets from 14 matches, he has also been integral in his team’s success in the recent past and he will be once again spearhead the bowling attack in this year’s Champions League.
