Even if Hashim Amla were to be picked for the Proteas’ World Cup squad on the strength of his run-scoring history and whatever glimmer of form he shows over the next 11 days, his history at the World Cup doesn’t encourage his selection, writes simxabanisa
With April 18 – the day of the Proteas’ World Cup squad announcement – writ large with a big red X in every would-be squad member’s calendar, Amla has five games to put up the kind of performances that will help convener of selectors Linda Zondi sleep a little better as he tries to separate the veteran from the two pups snapping at his heels, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks.
Every one of the 9 282 test runs has been a blow against anyone who has ever suggested that twirling back-lift wouldn’t be conducive to an international career, while his 7 910 one-day international runs – achieved at the kind of lively click almost designed to make a point – rested his case against everyone who typecast him as a five-day grinder.
Those runs, in a total of 266/2, were – uncharacteristically for Amla – not for the team as he had already begun playing for his World Cup place. But the catch is that even if Amla were to be picked on the strength of his run-scoring history and whatever glimmer of form he shows over the next 11 days, his history at the World Cup doesn’t encourage his selection.
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