Hashim Amla’s career has been boosted with a marathon series effort against India.
Amla scored 490 runs in 3 innings, with only 1 dismissal. In a 2 test series, this is the second highest run aggregate ever. He is second only to Walter Hammond (England), who scored 563 runs over New Zealand way back in 1932/33! He is also streets ahead of Rahul Dravid in third place with 432.
In total he batted for 1402 minutes and faced 1032 deliveries. In Nagpur he batted for over 675 minutes in scoring an unbeaten 253, whilst in Kolkata he batted for 228 and 499 minutes respectively.
In the sub-continent large innings are often played, but many players especially foreigners, succumb to dehydration, cramps, tiredness, fatigue, spasms and mental exhaustion from the demanding conditions.
After the match Amla’s mental strength, and attitude showed why he is becoming so good. He is unflappable, complains of nothing, and seeks to rise above the challenges rather than seek excuses. (His teammates could learn a lesson or two!).
“I have learnt, after passing that stage of thirst and mental fatigue, that the limits we put on the body and mind can, and at times must, be challenged” Amla has previously said.
“When you know at the back of your mind that you have to bat the whole the day but to break it down is the key. In the change room we always talk about breaking it down hour by hour, over by over, ball by ball and there are no overs left in the day” said Amla after the match.
“Our emotions when myself and Morne were out there were enjoying it more than anything. I took a lot of confidence from Morne (Morkel) and (Wayne) Parnell who told me they were more comfortable at certain ends so that made my job easier to farm the strike. It just was a lovely experience” said Amla.
Even the opposition gain his respect, with Harbhajan Singh saying, “Obviously Amla batted very well. Most of the teams when they come here, they don’t know much about the spin, whether it is turning, bouncing or keeping low from the wicket.”
“But he was very calm throughout his batting and that was probably the key. He kept on playing his style of cricket, he never took any chances, he never looked to do something fancy, he just played cricketing shots. I think he was the best batsman in the South African batting line-up” said Singh.
