Should Amla go to the World Cup?

Why he should go

HOW many teams would even consider leaving out a batsman that has amassed 7 910 runs, including 27 centuries, at an average of 49.27 in the one-day game? Those are numbers that sit comfortably among the top 10 list of all-time ODI batsmen who have represented a major nation. But yet here we are discussing should Hashim Amla go to the World Cup in England and Wales next month. His critics point out that his legacy is not under scrutiny, but rather recent form. Try 214 runs at an average of 53.5 and strike-rate of 86.83 against a high-quality bowling attack like Pakistan’s in his last ODI series. I fear that that Amla’s decline in the Test arena is being confused with his ODI pedigree. Amla remains a vital component of the Proteas ODI team, particularly the opening partnership he forms with Quinton de Kock. The pair are ranked in the top five opening pairs in ODI history, amassing 4 014 runs at an average of 47.78 with the duo sharing 10 century partnerships since first teaming up in 2013. De Kock has often provided insight into why he enjoys batting with Amla, describing their partnership as “very, very chilled” and saying furthermore: “His demeanour is very relaxed so we keep each other very calm. That’s what we do well together.” I believe this experience and demeanour is worth its weight in gold at a frenetic tournament such as the World Cup. Amla has always brought a sense of calmness to the Proteas’ dressing-room and it will be needed more than ever. We are only debating the merit of Amla heading to the World Cup because he took a month-long leave of absence to be at the bedside of his ill father. Don’t judge him on his scores in the T20 Challenge for the Cape Cobras. That’s merely batting practise to get back into the groove. The Mighty Hash must be in Linda Zondi’s 15-man squad set to be announced tomorrow.