CricTracker fan poll – 5 best Test bowlers of the year

4. Mitchell Starc – 8% votes

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has been the standout performer for the Aussies in an otherwise disappointing year in Test cricket. Beginning the year with a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August at their backyard, Starc finished the series with as many as 24 wickets from at a staggering average of 15.16 and was the only bright spot for the Aussies.

In a series were the mighty Australians were annihilated 3-0, Starc made good use of his skills and used his lethal inswinging Yorkers to good effect. On pitches that were not conducive for fast bowling, his performance was undoubtedly one of the most inspiring shows of the year.

He was not quite up to his standards in the Tests series against the Proteas at home which the hosts lost by a 1-2 margin. Though he bowled some exceptional spells in patches, he couldn’t get the breakthroughs at the crucial juncture. Despite that Starc finished as the highest wicket-taker from Australia with 14 wickets at an average of 30.