In 2023, international cricket was full of top-notch bowling. Top of the pack was Australia’s experienced off-spinner Nathan Lyon. He took the most wickets in Tests, with 47 from 10 games. His average: 24.95. He also nailed two five-wicket games and four games with four wickets.
Right behind Lyon was Australia’s Test leader, Pat Cummins. He got 42 scalps in 11 games, with an average score of 27.50, and logged three five-wicket games. Indian off-spinner veteran, Ravichandran Ashwin, took third place. He grabbed 41 wickets in seven Test games. His average score: 17.02. He scored four games with five wickets.
In 2023 ODIs, Kuldeep Yadav, India’s left-arm wrist-spinner, shone. He nabbed the title for the top wicket-taker, catching 49 wickets in just 30 games. His average? Only 20.48, with two four-fers and a five-fer under his belt.
Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, also from India, landed in the top three. Siraj seized 44 wickets in 25 matches, holding a 20.68 average. Shami, on the other hand, bagged 43 wickets in 19 games. His average was a mere 16.46, and he scored four five-wicket hauls.
Though 2023 showcased the steady power of tested athletes, it gave a few newbies their chance in the spotlight. These young players burst onto the scene, turning heads with their skill.
To wrap up the year, we’ll spotlight three fresh-faced cricketers. These young athletes made waves in 2023 with their exceptional ballplay.
3. Ravi Bishnoi – India
Ravi Bishnoi, an Indian team leg-spinner, started his T20I career last year. He showcased some noteworthy skills in his limited shots. But, 2023 was his year. He soared to new levels. Briefly, he was even the top T20Is bowler on the ICC’s official rankings.
During 2023, Bishnoi, at 23, played 11 T20Is, nailing 18 wickets. His average was 17.61, and his economy rate was 7.20. After a notable series in Ireland, he marked 3/24 in the Asian Games faceoff with Nepal in Hangzhou. His performance was frugal in other matches too.
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.
Bishnoi took 3/32 in Thiruvananthapuram, as well as two wickets in Guwahati and Bengaluru. He stymied Australia with statistics of 1/17 from four overs in the T20I in Raipur.
Bishnoi took nine wickets in five T20Is at an average of 18.22 and was named Player of the Series.
2. Dilshan Madushanka – Sri Lanka
Despite Sri Lanka’s rough time in the 2023 ODI World Cup, there was a shining star. This was left-arm bowler, Dilshan Madushanka. He performed brilliantly, taking 21 wickets over nine games. On average, he nabbed each wicket for 25 runs, while only giving up 6.70 runs per over.
Apart from their pitch against New Zealand, Madushanka was always wicket-taking. Several older bowlers had injuries. With this, Dilshan stepped up masterfully. In the first three games against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia, he grabbed two wickets in each.
Madushanka stood out on the field. He scored a three-fer against Australia. Later, he even bettered his game with a four-fer against the Netherlands. Yet his best was still to come, he brought home five wickets against India. The delivery that knocked Indian captain Rohit Sharma off his feet was a highlight of the tournament.
In 2023, he participated in 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs). He racked up 31 wickets, his average score was 24.06 and his economy rate was 6.09. This confirmed his spot as a prominent Sri Lankan player.
1. Gerald Coetzee – South Africa
In 2023, Gerald Coetzee, South Africa’s fast-rising young pitcher, showed everyone why he’s such a big deal. Anrich Nortje had to step out of the ODI World Cup in India owing to a hurt. Gerald Coetzee, the 23-year-old leftie, filled in well. Gerald Coetzee took the most wickets in the ICC event for his team.
Gerald Coetzee took 20 wickets at an average of 19.80 and an economy rate of 6.23 in eight ODI World Cup matches. Gerald Coetzee took three wickets against Sri Lanka, England, and Bangladesh before finishing with 4/44 against Afghanistan.
Despite quickly ending partnerships, Gerald Coetzee shone brightly with his relentless bowling style. The Aussies enjoyed a semi-final win in Kolkata, but this promising Proteas player didn’t let it come easy. Gerald Coetzee snagged important wickets, giving the Australians a tough time.
How did Gerald Coetzee wrap up 2023? With 31 cricket scalpings in 14 ODIs yielding an average of 23.22 and an economy rate of 6.48. Gerald Coetzee even left his mark on the Tests, taking home 10 wickets in 3 games with a 24.50 average.
There’s no questioning it-Gerald Coetzee is a rising bowling talent in international cricket.
