Somerset's Jack Leach won the best Championship spinner award after we examine the four tweakers to enjoy friendlier conditions in 2016...
Here are your contenders for the crown of best @CountyChamp spinner 2016! It's a tough choice, but who's your top pick? pic.twitter.com/NIq6YaX5wI
— County Championship (@CountyChamp) September 28, 2016
JEETAN PATEL
Welcome to Mr Consistent. After 18 years in cricket, it comes as no surprise that Jeetan Patel has his game nailed down, yet few manage to hit such high levels as regularly as he. So good was his 2016 that not only did he finish top of the Division one wicket-takers list with 69 poles, win the PCA most valuable player award, but receive a Test call-up to the New Zealand team. Not a bad summer for a 36-year-old.
JACK LEACH
What a stunning breakthrough year it’s been for Jack Leach. While missing out on both the title with Somerset and a place in England’s winter tours may jar, he should look back on the season happy and content. For 2016 was one to remember for the 25-year-old left-armer: taking on the responsibility of picking up wickets on a spinning Taunton track, he returned figures of 65 at 21.87, finishing as the leading English wicket-taking spinner.
OLLIE RAYNER
Entering the season with eyes mainly on securing another contract, Ollie Rayner had the summer of his life, as not only did he get a new two-year deal but he also helped Middlesex secure their first Championship title since 1993. Claiming more than 50 Championship wickets for the first time in his career (he ended on 51 at 23.56), he came to the fore against Durham on a Lord’s pitch enjoyed by batsmen, taking 9-102 to clinch their first win of the season at the Home of Cricket.
GARETH BATTY
A wily, clever bowler, Gareth Batty called upon all his 20 years of experience in ensuring a young Surrey side stayed up in Division One at the first time of asking following a two-year absence. From the sucker-punch he gave to Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl, to the first innings intervention at Trent Bridge, his role purely as a bowler in Surrey’s survival cannot be underestimated.