The best of Test cricket in 2013

10. Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander

In 2013, Vernon Philander was rated by the ICC as the 2nd best bowler and the 3rd best all-rounder in the world. Currently, he is ranked 1 in the ICC test bowler rankings.

Philander gets to the number 1 test bowler spot by replacing his team-mate Dale Steyn, who has been holding that spot for a long long time. Philander always bowls a tight line, on or just outside that off stump and moves the bowl both ways. On his day, he can trouble any batsmen around the world.

On 20 December 2013, Philander took his 100th test wicket in the first test against India in Johannesburg. He needed only 19 matches to reach his 100 wickets, the joint-sixth fastest ever. Earlier the same day he scored an anchor-innings of 59 runs (from 86 balls), batting at number 8, showing off his versatility for the Proteas.

In 2013, he has taken 35 wickets from his 15 innings with a strike rate of 44.9. In this year, his best bowling figures in an innings is 5 for 7. His bowling average this year is 18.37 and has an economy of 2.45. He has 2 five wicket hauls this year.