Amla makes history

2004-10-28 10:00

Jonathan Cook

Pietermaritzburg - "Cool." That was 21-year-old Hashim Amla's reaction when he was told on Wednesday that he has been included in the South African cricket squad to tour India next month.

He is the first player of Asian origin to be included in a South African Test squad and is one of four new caps in the 14-man squad, along with all-rounder Zander de Bruyn, pace bowler Alfonso Thomas and wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile.

"It's really exciting to be part of the South African squad," said Amla. "I'm glad to be a South African, representing South Africa, and I'll walk on to the field as a South African."

Then the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphins captain, speaking from Gauteng, where Natal meet the Titans from Thursday, gave thanks.

"It has long been a goal of mine to play for my country at the highest level and I am really grateful to God Almighty for this opportunity.

"I also want to give thanks to my father, Dr Mahomed Amla, who has had a hugely positive influence on my approach to life. There are so many other people who have helped me and I am thankful to all of them for their support and encouragement."

Amla, a product of Durban High School (DHS), which has produced more SA cricketers than any other school, said his faith has been a major influence in his life. "When you look deeply into God, then you realise how important things are. To believe in God helps you sort out the priorities in your life from a young age."

Amla, who is averse to wearing the logos of liquor companies on his playing kit for religious reasons, said that he was waiting for the United Cricket Board to get back to him on the matter.

Dolphins coach Phil Russell was delighted at the news of his captain's elevation to the national squad. "I am very pleased for the lad. One of our goals at the Dolphins is to help cricketers graduate to the highest level. Hashim deserves the step up to Test cricket."

Burgeoning first class-career

Amla plays with a wristy flourish that could be well-suited to the Indian wickets, and has been in stunning form this season. Two centuries for South Africa A against New Zealand A were followed by two hundreds and a 72 in the Dolphins' five innings to date in the 2004/2005 campaign.

His batting average in a burgeoning first class-career that began in the 1999/2000 season is 50.46 in 51 innings, including seven hundreds and 14 fifties.

Grayson Heath, chairperson of the DHS Pirates Kismet club, for whom Amla plays, said there are two things that the elegant right-hander has going for him.

"The first is natural talent and the second is the mental attributes to match. There are many talented batsmen out there but only the special few have the mental approach required to make it to the top. Hashim is one of them."

Mike Bechet, who has seen many young cricketers during his long stint as the Maritzburg College first XI coach, said that when he first saw Amla bat, he could see that he was something special.

"He is a deep thinker on the game and someone you want on your side."

But for now it's business as usual for Amla as he concentrates on the Dolphins against the Titans.

- The Witness