Graeme Swann aiming to target Hashim Amla’s wicket - Cricket News Update
English spinner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HM-Amla-c1557 could further his team’s chances to win the second Test, starting from Aug 2, at Headingley.
Amla hit out a career-best 311 not out and also became the first South African to a make a triple century in Test cricket, aiding his side to cruise to an innings win in the opening Test at the Oval.
The 29-year-old Amla drew plaudits for his rock solid innings that lasted for more than 13 hours in a masterful display of high-class batting, which left the English bowler look utterly hapless.
"He was in an almost zen-like state for that 300," Swann told BBC
The right-hander from Durban was involved in record breaking partnerships with skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JH-Kallis-c1692, which never allowed the home side to make a comeback into the Test match.
English invincibility on home soil was challenged by the visitors who are now threatening to break their winning streak of seven home series.
England was on the receiving end at the Oval, despite making an early breakthrough, picking up http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Petersen-c1028, before going to bowl the next 186 overs with little success, as the tourists posted a mammoth 637 for 2.
"We need to get him early because he's a guy who likes sitting in and batting for a long time. His form looks imperious at the moment and we were all very impressed by him,” The Nottinghamshire spinner added
Amla had an impressive last year, which saw him score 878 (73.16) runs in 9 Test matches including three centuries. He also has an impressive record on English soil, scoring 586 runs (97.66) in five matches against England.
Swann, 33, had a forgettable last Test as he remained wicketless after conceding 151 runs in 52 overs; his worst bowling figures at the highest level. He struggled against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hamisi-Abdallah-c61368 who dominated the spinners throughout the South African innings.
"He's been in stunning form these last two years and he's carried that into this series," said the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nottinghamshire-c826 player.
A win for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 on their home soil, but it will also set the Proteas on track to become the new Top Test side in the world.
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