Top 5 ODI wicket-takers in 2017

#4 Liam Plunkett - 36 wickets

Plunkett's sharp pace made him an extremely dangerous proposition for opposition batsmen

Liam Plunkett's career is an example of perseverance and work-ethic trumping natural talent. After entering the international arena as a bits-and-pieces player masquerading as an all-rounder, he revamped his physique and reinvented himself as a sturdy fast bowler capable of clocking high speeds on a regular basis. The right-armer continued his marked development in 2017 by contributing immensely to England's progression to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

From 18 matches in the calendar year, Plunkett picked 36 wickets at a remarkable average of 22.47. While an economy-rate of 5.62 can evoke a feeling of discontentment, it has to be noted that captain Eoin Morgan always used him as a strike-force and not as an containing option. The aggressive approach fetched him a career-best haul of 5/52 against West Indies at Bristol.