2016 in review: The top 10 Test spells

Broad's spell of five wickets for one run in 36 deliveries sent South Africa hurtling to 83 all out, leaving England 74 to get to complete a series win. When he finished with 6/17, Broad moved to third in England’s all-time Test wicket-takers' list.

In his second Test, the 19-year-old Miraz took 12 wickets to be named Man of the Match. The six that he took during England's second innings were remarkable, for they triggered a stunning collapse of all ten wickets in 22.3 overs during what proved the final session of the match. England won the Test to level the series 1-1.

Australia lost this Test - and consequently the series - when they were bowled out for 85 in 32.5 overs on the opening day at Bellerive Oval. They began horribly (4/8 in 8.4 overs) and were unable to forge partnerships as Philander's 5/21 wrecked them completely.

Of the offspinning allrounder Perera's 10/99 in the match, six came in Australia's second innings as Sri Lanka wrapped up the series by 229 runs. In the process, Perera became the fastest Sri Lankan to 50 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in 11 Tests.

Taking 11 wickets on a Lord's surface where almost every other seam bowler struggled was exemplary. To do so in a famous win that put Pakistan up 1-0 in the four-Test series was sweeter.

In one of the finest spells by an Indian seam bowler in India, Bhuvneshwar was the hero for the hosts on the second day at Eden Gardens. On a the most un-Indian seam-friendly track that New Zealand could have received, Bhuvneshwar - on comeback to the XI - floored the tourists and pulled the match India's way for good with a crippling burst.

Herath, Sri Lanka's ageless wonder, was hugely impactful in the series opener with nine wickets, of which five came in Australia’s second innings. Herath bowled Sri Lanka to a historic win, just the second time they beat Australia. His figures were a mind-boggling 33.3-16-54-5 and put Sri Lanka on course for 3-0 and Herath's best ever series returns.

Sri Lanka's familiar problems against the moving ball were exploited masterfully by Anderson, who claimed 10/45 at Headingley as England won by an innings inside three days. The damage was done on day one, with Anderson claiming 5/16 to bowl out Sri Lanka for 91.

In the buildup to his Test debut, allrounder de Grandhomme had one first-class five-wicket haul. In is first Test, he became the owner of the best figures by a New Zealand debutant. On a very green surface, de Grandhomme's slower pace worked wonders as he bowled it full on a pitch that offered swing and seam, consistently, and forced the batsmen into indiscretion.

The No 1 Test bowler turned the first day of the Mumbai Test on its head with the wickets of Moeen Ali and debutant centurion Keaton Jennings in his first over after tea, on the way to figures of 6/112 in the first innings. But his biggest act was derailing England's second innings with a spell of 9.3-2-15-6 to complete an innings win. On the last day, his removal of Jonny Bairstow with a carrom ball was worthy of the highest praise.