Hashim Amla aims to put Durban record straight
On the eve of the second test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, the South African right-handed batsman of Indian descent Hashim Amla has vowed to make the most of an extremely prolific year and rectify his poor record at his home ground at the Kingsmead
in Durban.
Amla who has been smashing form of late especially against the Indians would be playing the 50th test match of his career when the second test gets underway on Boxing Day, and the bearded soft spoken man is hardly flustered
about the mini milestone.
"Playing any Test at my home ground is a special occasion," Amla said two days before the game. "Playing the 50th Test really doesn't put any more importance, to be honest with you. The team always comes first, and the fact that we are
1-0 up going into a big Test, if we can close the series; it takes precedence over any kind of distraction like a 50th Test.
"I think in the greater scheme of things, it is nothing compared to some of the other guys who have been really successful. I am really grateful."
On the other hand he has some pressing issues to deal with at his home venue, the number three for the Proteas has aimed to set the set the record straight at the Kingsmead, where he grew up playing, keeping attacks in the field for days.
In all he has featured in five Tests here, and has failed to play a big innings yet he has posted a 50 only once, and has an aggregate of 122 runs at a measly average of 13.55. "It'd be lovely if I can [score a century here]," he said.
"My record hasn't been fantastic here in Test matches, but as I said I have always enjoyed playing at the Kingsmead. It would be lovely to make a contribution to the team cause here”.
Amla added that he likes the pace and bounce that the wicket offers, the Kingsmead has the reputation of being really quick and in 1996-97 the Indians were skittled out on the same wicket for 60 odd as a fiery Alan Donald tore through
the Indian batting line-up that included greats like Sachin Tendulkar, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rahul-c83321 Dravid,
"I've been very fortunate growing up on this wicket, with the bounce and the pace," Amla said. "I'm not sure how the Test wicket is going to play, but on a good day, when the wicket's flat, it's a fantastic place to play”. Amla has remained
the main stay of the South African batting in recent years and has specially blossomed beyond recognition in the last 12 months or so.
He was named test player of the year in 2009-10 and at current rate would be a serious contender for the award next year also. The turnaround in his career has been absolutely remarkable; Amla had scored 60 odd runs in his first 6 test
matches before making a sterling comeback with some smashing knocks that has made the world take notice of his abilities.
Even now he remains an underrated player at the highest level and is rarely bracketed amongst the best batsmen of the modern era; however one is certain that it hardly has any affect on the only Muslim in the South African line-up who
is loved by all for his humble nature.
Meanwhile a win in the second test would give the Proteas an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series, besides heavily jolting India’s reign at the top of the test rankings.
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