×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

AMLA is in fine fettle

CENTURY: Proteas opening batsman Hashim Amla. Pic. Raymond Preston. 05/11/2004. © ST Hashim Amla, South Africa's first national cricketer of Indian descent, turns his arm over at the TUKS high performance centre in Pretoria yesterday pic by raymond preston on 5/11/2004
CENTURY: Proteas opening batsman Hashim Amla. Pic. Raymond Preston. 05/11/2004. © ST Hashim Amla, South Africa's first national cricketer of Indian descent, turns his arm over at the TUKS high performance centre in Pretoria yesterday pic by raymond preston on 5/11/2004

THE Proteas are still hurting from their poor display and early exit from the ICC World Twenty20 last month and it's the hapless West Indies who are feeling the backlash.

THE Proteas are still hurting from their poor display and early exit from the ICC World Twenty20 last month and it's the hapless West Indies who are feeling the backlash.

Going in today's final one-day international at the Queens Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the Proteas find themselves 4-0 up and keen to make a whitewash of the series.

Since joining the side, opening batsman Hashim Amla has had a dream series with scores of 102, 92, 34 and 129.

This is a form he wants to see continuing.

"I have put in a lot of hard work to improve various aspects of my game such as having good release shots for limited overs," Amla told Sowetan ahead of today's game.

"I was particularly pleased with my latest century as most of my big scores came while batting first and I wanted to test my ability to chase down a big target."

That score of 129 is Amla's highest in one-day internationals and it bodes well for the upcoming Test series that begins on June 10.

Other in-form players in the Proteas at the moment are Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers, who both posted half-centuries in Monday's match, as well as JP Duminy who had a knock of 32 not out.

But just because the Proteas have the series wrapped up doesn't mean they will take their foot off the gas.

Coach Corrie van Zyl said: "Our aim is to win 5-0.

"It is the best way to regain confidence after our poor showing in the ICC World Twenty20.

"We have improved a lot as the series developed and also from the last series against India.

"But there is still work to be done and our remaining ODIs against Zimbabwe, Pakistan and India will be important in preparing for the World Cup.

"This applies particularly to the series against Pakistan that will be played in Asia."

The match will be shown live on SuperSport 2, starting at 4pm.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.