Amla was recently confirmed as the skipper for the national team in the long format of the game, holding off competition from AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis to become Graeme Smith’s successor.
Khan and Ngam, who were both part of the Dolphins squad that, under Amla’s captaincy, won the 2004/05 domestic first class competition, believe his calm and considered demeanour will help make him a fine leader in Tests.
“I don’t think he will shout much – at the guys in his own team and the opposition – so it will be different, but that could be a good thing,” Khan told ESPNcricinfo. “We all know he is relaxed and calm in the way he goes about things.”
Khan added, “He has always been a mature guy, which is why he was always involved in leadership through the age-groups. I always thought he could become a Test captain.”
Ngam, meanwhile, believes Amla commands respect despite his low-profile manner: “His lifestyle is something that will make him a good captain. He is disciplined and quiet and goes about his own business. Guys respect him. Sometimes quiet guys are more powerful.”
Amla will get his first opportunity to captain in Tests when the Proteas tour Sri Lanka next month.
