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Top 5 Bowling Performances in Tests in 2023

2023 marked a glorious chapter in the cricketing saga, with test cricket, as always, etching its brilliance onto the memory banks of fans and pundits alike. While the ODI World Cup stole the headlines, the timeless format continued to enthral, delivering performances that defied logic and definition.

Here, we revisit five bowling spells from this past year that truly redefined the art of taking wickets in whites:

#5 Prabath Jayasuriya (7-52 vs Ireland, Galle)

Prabath Jayasuriya, the unassuming left-arm spinner, unleashed a magical spell that sent shivers down the spines of the visiting Irish batsmen. His figures of 7-52 in Ireland’s first innings of the opening Test were more than just statistics; they were a testament to his exceptional skill, unwavering control, and a temperament forged in the furnace of domestic cricket.

The Irish, on their maiden Test tour to Sri Lanka, were left bamboozled by Jayasuriya’s web of deception, exploiting the turning Galle track with a repertoire of deliveries that dipped, drifted, and ripped through the defences of the Irish batsmen. The highlight of his spell came when he dismissed Curtis Campher, the Irish centurion, with a sensational delivery that ripped through the batsman’s defences and crashed into the middle stump. It was a moment of pure cricketing magic, a fitting reward for Jayasuriya’s relentless pressure and unwavering accuracy. His spell helped the Lankans beat the visitors by a huge margin of an innings and 280 runs.

#4 Taijul Islam (4-109 and 6-75 vs New Zealand, Sylhet)

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium witnessed a masterclass in spin bowling as Taijul Islam ripped through the New Zealand batting lineup to bag a sensational 10-wicket haul in the first Test of a two-match series that was held after the World Cup. His exceptional performance powered Bangladesh to a remarkable 150-run victory, etching his name in the record books and sending a wave of joy through the local cricketing fraternity.

Islam’s dominance began in the first innings, where he bamboozled the Kiwi batsmen with his drift and turn, claiming 4/109. But it was his second-inning spell that truly turned the tide. With the pitch offering more assistance, Islam weaved a web of deceit, taking 6/75 and skittling out New Zealand for a paltry 181. His victims included seasoned campaigners like Kane Williamson and Tom Latham, showcasing his ability to outfox even the best. His remarkable performance helped Bangladesh earn their maiden Test win against New Zealand on home soil.

#3 Nathan Lyon (8-64 vs India, Indore)

In the sweltering heat of Indore, on a turning track offering delicious prey for spin-bowling predators, Nathan Lyon delivered a spell that etched his name onto the pages of cricketing folklore. His figures of 8-64 in India’s second innings of the third Test match in March were not just numbers; they were a symphony of skill, cunning, and unwavering resilience.

Coming into the Test, Lyon had faced criticism after a forgettable outing in Nagpur. He picked up the huge wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja before snapping the prized and famous wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara, luring him into a false sense of security before a stunning Steve Smith catch sent the Indian batting maestro back to the pavilion. Lyon’s lovely returns earned Australia a famous win in India, one that they will remember for a long time.

#2 Ravindra Jadeja (7-48 vs Australia, Delhi)

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi was witness to a magnificent display of spin bowling by Ravindra Jadeja as he ripped through the Australian batting line-up with a sensational 7-wicket haul in the second innings of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His exceptional performance powered India to a comprehensive 6-wicket victory, helping India take an unassailable lead in the series.

After the first innings, the two teams were separated by just a solitary run and so, both teams needed someone to put his hand up and deliver a breathtaking performance. Jadeja did that as he helped India bowl Australia out for just 113 in the second innings. He constantly applied pressure, never allowing the Australians to settle into a rhythm. The Aussies had no idea with regards to playing him and they crumbled. Ravindra Jadeja’s Delhi demolition will be remembered for years to come, a testament to the skill, grit, and determination of a bowler who has emerged as a true match-winner for India.

#1 Gudakesh Motie (7-37 and 6-62 vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo)

The sun-drenched Bulawayo became the stage for a mesmerizing display of spin bowling artistry by Gudakesh Motie, the unassuming left-arm spinner from Guyana. In a Test match against Zimbabwe in February, Motie spun a web of deceit, bamboozling the hosts with a career-best 7-37 that snatched the match for the West Indies. Zimbabwe, opting to bat first, felt the full fury of Motie’s variations. His deliveries danced off the surface, dipping and turning away, leaving batsmen befuddled and wickets tumbling. From a promising 48-2, Zimbabwe crumbled to a dismal 115, their shortest Test innings against the West Indies.

In the second innings, Motie returned to haunt the hosts, claiming 6 wickets on that occasion. The Zimbabwean batters appeared clueless against him and they could only make 173, succumbing to a huge loss by an innings and 4 runs. Quite deservingly, Motie was adjudged the player of the match.