From Last Word on Cricket, Ryan Jordan
In the 3rd Test Match between South Africa and Sri Lanka starting on 12 January 2017, Proteas superstar batsman Hashim Amla records another century. His 100th Test Match for South Africa.
Hashim Amla Records Another Century
Few would have believed when he made his debut in 2004 that he would last more than just a few Tests. The right handed batsman with the unusually high backlift coming down from the direction of 3rd man was the target of many doubters. They said he would never be able to survive against a truly fast bowler with that backlift.
Amla’s Response To the Doubters
Amla did end up being dropped, but the quiet and measured man that Amla is, he worked on tightening his technique and soon made a return to the Proteas team. What he has done since then is the stuff of legends. The multitude of supporters who attend Test matches with their straggly fake beards, calling themselves “Amla’s Army” are there for a reason. An admiration for one of the classiest batsman to grace the game, who has turned himself into a national hero by weight of runs.
Amla by the Numbers
If we take a look at Hashim Amla’s record in terms of simple statistics, it is obvious that Amla is a special talent.
He has played in 99 Tests. His average is 49.45 per innings and has amassed 7665 runs. He holds the South African record for the highest Test score of 311*. He has scored 25 centuries and 31 half centuries.
Statistics courtesy of www.espncricinfo.com
A Popular Man in the Change Room
The common thread of anybody talking about Amla is his humility and his calmness. No matter what the situation, Amla does not get riled up and tends to be the voice of reason. Former Proteas wicket-keeper, Mark Boucher, had a special nickname for Hashim Amla, being Hamish. In this clip, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis also underlines the unassuming man that Amla is:
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ7wVDJ0HzY[/youtube]
Current Form
As Amla approaches his 34th birthday, it is understandable that his time at the top level of cricket is limited. His form during the recent tour to Australia and at home against Sri Lanka has not been great. This is not the defining moment of Amla’s career though. He will strike form very soon and someone is going to pay dearly. Amla does have a few more years in him and he will once again grind down opposing attacks and reap the reward of some big scores.
As he is known on social media in South Africa, the mighty # is not done yet.
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