Hashim Amla to lead South Africa in Tests

Johannesburg:  South African star batsman Hashim Amla was named the country’s Test cricket captain on Tuesday, replacing retiring Graeme Smith who led the side for a decade.

 

A “glad and humbled” Amla said he would give all his heart to the role, as the Proteas try to rebuild after the departure of opener Smith and legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis.

 

Amla, 31, who made his test debut against India in Kolkata 10 years ago, praised the work done by his predecessor, whose legacy looms large.

 

Smith had captained South Africa in a world-record 109 Tests before announcing his retirement during the third and final Test against Australia last March. Selectors said his replacement had been seen as a choice between three world class batsmen, Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.

 

But it was Amla, a devout Muslim who has often shied away from the public eye, who won out.

 

He said this focus would be on putting together a “winning combination” that can return South Africa to the top of the Test rankings. Amla captained the South African team at the Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and was appointed captain of the Dolphins franchise early in his first-class career.