Hashim Amla reminding all of his worth in English stint
The Proteas' bearded wonder is hammering runs for English county Hampshire but it's a forgotten Titans stalwart that's providing much joy for Sussex.
Hashim Amla has been superb for Hampshire. Photo: Getty Images.
Proteas fans might’ve been left a bit disappointed over Hashim Amla’s form a few weeks back in the Test series against Australia but Hampshire certainly aren’t doubting his value.
South Africa’s bearded star has been in excellent form for the English county in the local four-day competition.
In seven innings, the 34-year-old has passed 50 four times and converted one of those knocks into a 100 – his most recent visit to the crease.
That consistency means Amla is the leading run scorer to date in top division of the County Championship with 381 runs at an average of 54.42.
It bodes well for the Proteas, who tour Sri Lanka in two months’ time and will need to call on their stalwart’s experience.
Meanwhile, Dane Vilas continues to show his importance to any domestic cricket system willing to have him by scoring heavily for Lancashire.
The Dolphins wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 350 runs at 70 with an unbeaten 235 as his highest score.
South Africa cricket needs him to keep playing franchise cricket, even if his Kolpak status means the Proteas can’t use him.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer has shown up well as an all-rounder for Essex, continuing to be a key player for the defending champions.
He’s taken 8 wickets in unfriendly spin conditions and averages 29 with the bat.
Meanwhile, Titans veteran Heino Kuhn hasn’t taken long to get used to English conditions following his Kolpak move to Kent.
The 34-year-old has scored 168 runs at an average of 42, which includes a superb, unbeaten 69 to guide them to a win over Glamorgan.
Kuhn’s Titans teammate David Wiese has been a gem for Sussex.
David Wiese. Photo: Getty Images.
The tall all-rounder averages 56 with the bat and has scalped 14 victims with the ball.
The Cobras’ Stiaan van Zyl, also at Sussex, hasn’t had it that easy though.
The Proteas will also be eagerly monitoring the progress of Aiden Markram and Duanne Olivier, who are both considered important future figures in the Test side.
Markram had a nighmarish start for Durham with three ducks in a row before regaining some form with an innings of 94.
Olivier is the leading wicket-taker of Derbyshire with 14 but still needs to work on his economy rate.
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