Sporting world pays tribute to Mighty Hash
Keep doing what you do bro and keep leading the way, says SBW
AN inspiration to many on and off the field, a calm, reassuring presence for teammates new and old, a prodigious run-getter with a style mixing wristy elegance and clinical timing… all attributes of one of South Africa’s greatest cricketing talents – Hashim Amla.
Amla plays in his 100th Test starting at the Wanderers today (10am start), against Sri Lanka.
He may be going through a lean patch right now, but those who know him well, are anticipating that he will fix that problem soon.
Below, some sporting personalities share their views of the Proteas’ latest Test centurion. Sonny Bill Williams, All Blacks star and a personal friend of Amla shared a video on YouTube saying: “Massive congratulations on your 100th Test. You’re an inspiration to myself and many others, thousands, millions around the world… keep doing what you do bro and keep leading the way. Love and respect to you and your family. Cheers.” Imraan Khan, a former schoolboy cricket and Dolphins teammate of Amla, said: “I’ve played with him from a young age, going through age groups and schools into the pro ranks. I remember how excited we were when he made his firstclass debut for Natal, and we were still in school.
“It has just been a great thrill watching ‘Ntshebe’ grow through the years, from a chubby young boy into one of the greats of the game. Even more special has been seeing the man he has become. It’s been a pleasure to share part of that journey with him.” Odwa Ndungane, Sharks and Springbok wing: “In this day and age, people celebrate even 50 caps, because it is a massive achievement in its own right. Injury, loss of form and many other things are all challenges you have to overcome.
“But to see Hashim reach 100 Test matches is really special. When you look at the calibre of people who reach that milestone for their country, it tells you something. I’ve always admired his temperament at the crease, because it looks like nothing ever phases him.” David Miller, teammate at Dolphins and Proteas: “I made my debut straight out of school 10 years ago, in Maritzburg. Hashim was in that team, and he had already become a regular for the Proteas. I will never forget the way he welcomed me into the team – and made me feel welcome.
“The one word for me that stands out about Hash is consistency, on and off the field. In the 10 years I’ve known and played with him, he has never changed. He treated me the same way 10 years ago as he does now, and that has just been fantastic.” Brett Proctor, former Kingsmead stadium manager and SuperSport broadcaster:
“The best memory of Hash for me is very easy, and maybe a little bit selfish. It was the 2008-09 tour of Australia, and Channel Nine allowed me to be on the commentary for the final moments in the second Test at the MCG. Hashim hit the winning runs to seal the series.
“It was not a significant innings, 18 not out or so, but to be able to be there for that was really special.
“I have watched Hashim and dealt ALSO INSIDE: Jose’s plea to fans, P26 Paterson’s T20 joy, P26 Proteas chase 3-0, P27 with him from a young age, and his greatest attribute has always been his strength of character.
“There were so many naysayers when he started, commenting about his bat going towards gully, and how he had been picked too soon.
“But he has always played like someone who realises that there is more to life than cricket, and it has been a pleasure to see him play for over a decade.
“I really hope that he gets over his latest blip, and makes 10 000 Test runs, because he thoroughly deserves it. And if he can mark his 100th Test with a century, even better to silence the naysayers again.”