Hashim Amla: A Protea Soldier

In recent game Hashim Amla seem to have found his touch, Amla who is well known for his status as a test batsmen for the Proteas has been a prime attacking form against Kenya in two one day internationals.

The man from Durban has played an instrumental role in securing victory alongside Jaqcue Kallis in a game that saw many boundaries. Even though Kenya is a mediocre opposition, the Proteas are using these games as preparing for the December show down when they face Australia down under.

Taking a closer look at Amla's test record its clear that his a very talented young batsmen with great ability. He has in recent months established himself as a number three batsmen and has proved to be capable of standing for long hours out in the middle scoring big runs. Hashim has played 29 test matches scoring 1871 at an average of 38.18, with an excellent strike rate of 48.35.

At only 25 years of age he has set himself as a consistent top order batsment in the No. 2 ranked test and one day team in the world. Hashim has also played an instrumental role in his domestic team, the Dolphins where he captained the side at a tender age of 21.

In 2002 Amla captained the under-19s South African squad to the World Cup, where he lead South Africa to the final, but the Australian where to strong and defeated the young Proteas.

Hashim Amla is the first player of Indian decent to be included in the South African team, He is also a devout Muslim which has led to campaigns to remove all alcohol-promoting logos from merchandise and playing gear. He objected to the advert for Castle Larger beer on the South African team kit and has been allowed to wear a shirt without the logo of a brand of South African Breweries, one of South African cricket's biggest sponsors.

Amla who is regarded as one of many up-coming cricketers in the country was heavily criticised for his batting style which saw him score 36 runs on his first tour of England in 2004. But the South African selectors gave him a second chance in 2006 against New Zealand when he scored 149 in Cape Town.

Hashim Amla is still a candidate to become South Africa's second non-white test captain after Ashwell Prince. But for now he is just happy to be in the team, and is always willing  to lend a hand in a Protea victory.