Jack Brooks wins the second in our series of features on the best players in the Specsavers County Championship this season, after we took a look at four impressive fast bowlers...
Racing onto your timeline are our contenders for fast bowler of 2016. It wasn't easy to select just four, but who do you think is the best? pic.twitter.com/WxQUwqM0yx
— County Championship (@CountyChamp) September 27, 2016
Keith Barker
Once more experienced Warwickshire all-rounder Keith Barker demonstrated his reliability with the ball, finishing 2016 with his highest tally of Championship wickets. A focus on red-ball cricket paid dividends, allowing him to stay fresh and play in all 16 matches, as he collected 59 scalps and ensured Warwickshire stayed in the top division.
Jack Brooks
The top wicket-taking fast bowler in Division One, Jack Brooks continued to impress this season despite suffering from a quad injury that saw him miss two matches. Having taken on a lot of responsibility early on in the summer as injuries to his fellow Yorkshire bowlers mounted, Brooks went on to take 60+ wickets for the third season running, and almost led the White Rose to their third consecutive title.
Steve Magoffin
Few overseas players have consistently performed for their adoptive club as well as Steve Magoffin has for Sussex. A fans favourite for his whole-hearted approach, Australian Magoffin collected 62 wickets this season, at an average a little over 20. So prolific was he that he took almost triple the amount of wickets as his nearest rivals at Sussex: Jofra Archer and Danny Briggs, both with 23.
Graham Napier
For a man who doesn’t seek the limelight, Graham Napier has a funny knack producing the goods in such a manner that he can’t help but grab people’s attention. His farewell season was no different, as the Essex local completed his best season with the ball, leading the club’s wicket-taking charts as he passed 50 Championship wickets for the first time in his 20-year career and helped ensure the county were promoted to Division One.