Hashim Amla: South Africa's Mr Dependable

For most of the cricketing world, the word 'chokers' is synonymous with South Africa. But with the Proteas winning a Test series in Australia for the 2nd successive time, it might soon be difficult for that term to stick. And one man who has contributed to South African cricket's reign at the top of the ICC Test rankings is Hashim Amla.

It would probably be an understatement to say that in the last few years Hashim Mahomed Amla has become South Africa's Mr Dependable. So, it didn't come as a surprise when his innings of 196 runs set up South Africa's 2nd successive Test series win in Kangaroo land. Amla won the Man of the Match award for his 196 run knock in the 3rd and series deciding Test at Perth. South Africa's number 3 reinvented himself against Australia, notching up the century in just 87 balls. He also ended up being his team's highest run getter on the tour.

Earlier in the year, Amla became the first South African to score a Test triple century. The first South African of Indian descent to play for the rainbow nation is also the fastest to score 3,000 ODI runs. (Related read: Cricket South Africa praises team for win)

Amla may prefer to stay out of the limelight but his run scoring ability and calm personality is exactly the reason why he's become the darling of the fans. (Also, in case you missed it: Ponting's final day as cricketer, in pics)

Some doubted his ability to perform in the shorter format of the game but those doubts were dismissed quickly after he became the number 1 batsman in the ICC ODI rankings.

Nominated for the 2012 ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year award, some thought he was unlucky not to win.

A leaked Australian team dossier revealed that the Australians planned to target Amla during the series. But even that didn't work. In fact, Amla found the dreaded Australian team's sledging amusing. That's probably why he's known as 'the monk' in cricketing circles.