4. Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
In 2016, South Africa’s young sensation, Quinton de Kock translated his shorter formats’ success in red-ball cricket as well. The 23-year-old scored his maiden Test century against England at Centurion.
In the subsequent series, he proved it was no fluke as he pounded twin half-centuries in three innings against New Zealand. But his moment of glory came Down Under. De Kock played a central role in South Africa’s 2-1 series win over Australia. In the first Test at Perth, the southpaw registered scores of 84 and 64, especially in first innings, he was the force that enabled the Proteas post in excess of 200. While in 2nd Test at Hobart, he cut Australia’s hopes if there was any, completely, with an exhilarating 104.
And it is note-worthy; he maintained a fabulous strike-rate of 80.68 and had an impact of his own. In 11 innings, the African keeper blasted 589 runs at an average of 65.44 with 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries.
