Interview with Hashim Amla
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| Hashim Amla |
Hashim Amla is a top-order batsman for South Africa. He has represented his country in 80 international matches, and is renowned for his elegant strokeplay. He is the first South African of Indian descent to play for the national team, and is also a proud Muslim.
Question: How do the South African players view the Pakistani team after the recent controversies?
Hashim Amla: The players still respect the Pakistani team as they have some very good players. All the controversies do not change the fact that the tour will be a tough one.
Question: How do the South African players view the Pakistani team after the recent controversies?
Hashim Amla: The players still respect the Pakistani team as they have some very good players. All the controversies do not change the fact that the tour will be a tough one.
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| Hashim Amla |
Question: Given the current turmoil in Pakistani cricket and the loss of some key bowlers, who do you think will be the main challenge for South African batsmen in UAE? Which Pakistani bowler are you looking forward to facing in the upcoming series?
Hashim Amla: As I mentioned, there are some quality players. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, Gul etc are all highly experienced campaigners who have proven their worth for many years.
Question: What do you prefer: Test cricket, ODI or T20, and why?
Hashim Amla: I enjoy all formats as they test different skills. Test matches however have a special place.
Hashim Amla: As I mentioned, there are some quality players. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, Gul etc are all highly experienced campaigners who have proven their worth for many years.
Question: What do you prefer: Test cricket, ODI or T20, and why?
Hashim Amla: I enjoy all formats as they test different skills. Test matches however have a special place.
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| Hashim Amla |
Question: How has the presence of a practicing Muslim affected the South Africa's cricket team?
Hashim Amla: The South African team is very diverse and the multicultural nature is an advantage in many ways. It allows us all to develop our understanding and see the world in a broader light.
Question: Would you like to name any mentor(s) in particular that you have looked up to in developing your game, both as a child/teenager, and later on once you debuted?
Hashim Amla: There are many coaches that I have worked and continue to work with, mostly from my domestic setup. It is seldom one man's sole efforts that is the means of achieving things and I am truly grateful for all their efforts.
Question: What specific areas of your game did you work on after being dropped from the side in your initial years as an international cricketer?
Hashim Amla: Ups and downs are part of the sporting world. My coaches always reminded me to keep things simple and persevere as best I can.
Hashim Amla: The South African team is very diverse and the multicultural nature is an advantage in many ways. It allows us all to develop our understanding and see the world in a broader light.
Question: Would you like to name any mentor(s) in particular that you have looked up to in developing your game, both as a child/teenager, and later on once you debuted?
Hashim Amla: There are many coaches that I have worked and continue to work with, mostly from my domestic setup. It is seldom one man's sole efforts that is the means of achieving things and I am truly grateful for all their efforts.
Question: What specific areas of your game did you work on after being dropped from the side in your initial years as an international cricketer?
Hashim Amla: Ups and downs are part of the sporting world. My coaches always reminded me to keep things simple and persevere as best I can.
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| Hashim Amla |
Question: How is it that South Africa keeps producing brilliant fielders again and again? Is there a specific training regime you follow or does it come naturally?
Hashim Amla: The culture of the South African team has always been to pay attention to fielding. Maybe its because South Africans in the past may not always be the most talented as compared to other countries hence they figured that they could make up for that with commitment in the field.
Question: Who was your cricketing idol while growing up?
Hashim Amla: I never had any idols. I just enjoyed watching guys like Lara, Steve Waugh, Kallis and Tendulkar.
Question: Who is your favorite Pakistani cricketer? What are your views on Muhammad Yousuf, and how do you rate him?
Hashim Amla: I used to enjoy watching Wasim and Waqar bowl as they were so skillful in all conditions. Younis Khan is a superb player. Muhammed Yousuf has proven his class for a while and is key player for them in the middle order.
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| Hahim Amla |
Question: What is your favorite cricket venue to play at, and why?
Hashim Amla: Perth, the place reminds me of Durban and more so because of the fond memories of chasing down 400 to win a test.
Question: Who're the best bowler and batsman you've played with and against?
Hashim Amla: Murali and Ponting.
Question: What is your most memorable moment(s) or knock(s)?
Hashim Amla: 176* against New Zealand. It came at a time when I was about to be dropped and also, the conditions were very difficult.
Question: Would you like to move up the order and open in the future or are you happy to play at No.3 throughout your career? What is your preferred batting position?
Hashim Amla: 4 is the preferred position however, 3 was the only position available at the time. Thankfully it has gone well so far. As long as the team wants me at 3 I have no issues about it.
Question: Do you have any advice for young cricketers, in particular for Muslim cricketers in South Africa?
Hashim Amla: The same advice I was given. Keep things simple and persevere during challenges
Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any favorite hobbies/activities?
Hashim Amla: I try and catch up with family and friends. I also like to read.
Question: And finally, what is your greatest ambition/aim as an international cricketer?
Hashim Amla: To be part of a winning team and leave a positive legacy for others to continue and improve upon.
Question: Thank you very much Hashim. It was a pleasure speaking to you and we wish you all the best for future.
Hashim Amla: Thank you very much.
Hashim Amla: Perth, the place reminds me of Durban and more so because of the fond memories of chasing down 400 to win a test.
Question: Who're the best bowler and batsman you've played with and against?
Hashim Amla: Murali and Ponting.
Question: What is your most memorable moment(s) or knock(s)?
Hashim Amla: 176* against New Zealand. It came at a time when I was about to be dropped and also, the conditions were very difficult.
Question: Would you like to move up the order and open in the future or are you happy to play at No.3 throughout your career? What is your preferred batting position?
Hashim Amla: 4 is the preferred position however, 3 was the only position available at the time. Thankfully it has gone well so far. As long as the team wants me at 3 I have no issues about it.
Question: Do you have any advice for young cricketers, in particular for Muslim cricketers in South Africa?
Hashim Amla: The same advice I was given. Keep things simple and persevere during challenges
Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any favorite hobbies/activities?
Hashim Amla: I try and catch up with family and friends. I also like to read.
Question: And finally, what is your greatest ambition/aim as an international cricketer?
Hashim Amla: To be part of a winning team and leave a positive legacy for others to continue and improve upon.
Question: Thank you very much Hashim. It was a pleasure speaking to you and we wish you all the best for future.
Hashim Amla: Thank you very much.
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| Hashim Amla |