Giving nearly 15 years of his life, the star batsman for the Proteas, Hashim Amla, called time on his international cricket career. The 36-year-old player, known for his hard-hitting shots on the field, shook the entire cricket fraternity on Thursday with the news of his announcement. Meanwhile, the player has wrapped his international cricket career up, he’ll continue to play the domestic game and will also be seen making appearances in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa.
During Amla’s career that spread over a span of 15 years, the right-handed batsman has represented the South African side in approximately 349 matches in all the three formats of the game. During his tenure as the prominent face of the South African team, the player has scored around 18,000 runs including 55 centuries and 88 half-centuries.
Talking about the star player’s contribution towards the national side, Cricket South Africa said, “In an international career that was spread over 15 years he played 349 matches across the three formats for the Standard Bank Proteas, making more than 18 000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50.”
“He has made South Africa’s only Test triple century to date and has made the highest Test scores for his country against England, India and the West Indies and the highest against Australia in the post-unity period,” it further added.
Wrapping up his career, the player said, "Firstly, all glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege. I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire. I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun.”
Adding, “Also, My family, friends and agent, my team-mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you. The fans for energising me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa. And, of course, a very special thanks to the President and the Board at Cricket South Africa – not forgetting the Chief Executive, Mr Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the opportunities and am truly grateful. Love and peace," he finally ended.
Amla is known for being the fastest to score 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 6,000 and 7,000 runs in ODI matches. The player’s absence will definitely pinch South Africa on the field.
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