7) Steven Smith (Australia)
Another attacking Aussie batsman who recently became the 45th test captain of Australia is the seventh best batsman of the year. In the 2nd test against India, he achieved the feat of becoming the second Australian after Greg Chappell in 1975 to score a ton in a maiden test as a captain.
In the first test against India he scored an unbeaten 162 runs, his career best and another unbeaten 52 in second innings and played a pivotal role in team's victory. He continued his form in the second test as well and smashed 133 runs in first innings. He is currently the leading run scorer with 375 runs in the series with two tests still remaining.
In 2014, he scored 940 runs in 15 innings at an average of 78.33 and strike rate of 59.45.
8) Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan)
Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq sits on 8th spot in best batsmen list. He did the unthinkable when he blasted a hundred off just 56 balls to equal the record for the fastest century in Test cricket. The Pakistan skipper, generally known for his patient batting, took the attack to the Australian bowlers as he equalled West Indies legend, Viv Richards' record for the fastest ton.
He became the second Pakistani player after Majid Khan to enter the top ten list of quickest century-makers in Test cricket. Not only did Misbah get to the three-figure mark in record number of deliveries, he also got there in quick time - 74 minutes. In terms of minutes, this was the second fastest century in Test cricket.
Misbah is the first opposition captain to score twin test hundreds against Australia and only the second after Inzamam-ul-Haq, to score twin Test hundreds in any test match.
He also made the record of fastest century in 21 balls in just 24 minutes.
Misbah-ul-Haq scored his eighth Test century when he got to his ton against New Zealand in the first Test at Abu Dhabi. The right-hander scored his third consecutive Test ton, after earlier scoring the fastest ever Test century against Australia in the last game.
In the year 2014, he had 882 runs in 17 innings with an average and strike rate of 63.00 and 50.51 respectively decorated with 4 centuries and half centuries.
