In international cricket, the year 2023 featured numerous outstanding bowling performances. In ODIs, India’s left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav ended with the most wickets in 2023. He had 49 scalps in 30 matches for an average of 20.48. Two more Indians are in the top three.
While some established players maintained their dominance with the ball in international cricket in 2023, it was three young bowlers who took the spotlight in 2023.
Mohammed Siraj took 44 wickets in 25 matches at an average of 20.68, while Mohammed Shami took 43 wickets in 19 games at an average of 16.46, including four five-wicket hauls.
Three young bowlers that took the spotlight in 2023
As the year comes to an end, we take a look at three young cricketers who made a mark with the ball in 2023.
1. Ravi Bishnoi
Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi made his debut in T20I cricket last year and showed some outstanding performances in his limited opportunities. In 2023, the 23-year-old played 11 T20Is, taking 18 wickets at an average of 17.61 and an economy rate of 7.20. Bishnoi saved his best for the November-December five-match home series against Australia. His battling abilities shone through in his stunning recovery after being crushed for 54 runs in the opening game in Visakhapatnam.
2. Dilshan Madushanka
Left-arm pacer from Sri Lanka Dilshan Madushanka was one of his team’s few bright spots in an otherwise terrible 2023 ODI World Cup campaign. He caused the ball to talk, taking 21 wickets in nine games at a score of 25 and an economy rate of 6.70. Except for Sri Lanka’s last league game over New Zealand, he was among the wickets in all of the other matches. His delivery to knock out Indian skipper Rohit Sharma was one of the tournament’s best.
3. Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee, South Africa’s young speed wonder, demonstrated in 2023 how he is regarded so highly in his nation. Coetzee took three wickets against Sri Lanka, England, and Bangladesh before finishing with 4/44 against Afghanistan. Coetzee finished 2023 with 31 wickets in 14 ODIs at a strike rate of 6.48 and an average of 23.22. He also had an impact in Tests, taking 10 wickets at an average of 24.50 in three matches.
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