8. Stephen Cook (South Africa)
It took 16-long years for Stephen Craig Cook to break into the national side. But he made it worthwhile with a solid 115 against England at Centurion. He is a typical textbook batsman and bases his game around old-school virtues of solid technique and unflappable temperament to grind runs, day in, day out.
But after a dream start to his career, he was inconsistent and there was a time when sword was hanging around his place in the side. But he exhibited his thick skin, and scored gritty centuries at Adelaide and Port Elizabeth to make a strong comeback and strengthen his place in the side.
Cook has grinded 575 runs in 12 innings at 47.91 with 3 centuries, the most by any Proteas batsman, this year.
