Year in Review: Test team of the year 2013

Ryan Harris- The Pro

Ryan Harris – Can’t keep him out of the action

36 wickets at an average of 20.91 and a strike rate of 45.1. 2 5 wicket hauls, best of 7-117

Ryan Harris might have ended up the leading wicket taker of the year had he played more. Ryan Harris might have also gotten injured had he played more. It was the same old story for Harris, there was always the risk that he would do about as much damage to himself as the batsman as he charged to the crease.

Fast, skiddy and bowling with exceptional control, Harris picked up crucial wickets at just the right time, sometimes with some lateral movement, sometimes through disciplined line and length, always with a whole lot of heart. A break through always seemed imminent when he bowled, but so did a break down, so he was used sparingly.

He found enough time to end up Australia’s leading wicket taker and Man of the Series despite playing only 4 Tests in England, and followed that up with a joyful half century in the return bout and sustained excellence with the cherry. His job will be to bowl well with the new ball, and return at pivotal moments.