‘Future first’ as Amla opts out of WP deal
WESTERN Province’s preparations for the new Cricket South Africa first-class structure continue to be hampered after Proteas legend Hashim Amla’s proposed move to Newlands fell through yesterday.
Amla, 38, is the latest loss for WP after former coach Ashwell Prince permanently joined the Bangladesh coaching staff last month as a batting consultant, while Vernon Philander also accepted an offer on Monday to be the Pakistan bowling coach for the T20 World Cup.
Philander was due to captain the WP first-class team for the forthcoming season, although discussions are still ongoing relating to the former Proteas seamer’s playing future.
Although originally named in the Province squad for the 2021/22 season, Amla will also now no longer be turning out in the blue and white.
“I have always enjoyed my time playing at Newlands for the Cape Cobras and working as the batting consultant at the Cape Town Blitz, and I want to thank Western Province for their open communication throughout the entire contracting (period),” Amla told Independent Media yesterday.
“I have made this decision based on where I am currently in my career, and with a view to my future endeavours. I want to wish the squad all the best for the coming season.”
Amla’s agent Ismail Kajee also added that “Western Province have been great, and we hope that Hashim will be able to contribute to the team in some way in the future”.
The holder of South Africa’s highest Test score of 311 not out has remained active since he retired from international cricket after the 2019 World Cup, having just enjoyed a successful season with Surrey in the English County Championship.
Despite his advanced age, the veteran showed he still possessed those famed powers of concentration with a marathon 37 not out off 278 balls, which formed part of batting out the entire final day to save a match for Surrey against Hampshire.
In 12 matches thus far, Amla has amassed 771 runs, which includes an undefeated 215, at an average of 51.40.
Amla’s absence is a major loss for WP not only due his possible runscoring contributions, but also to the role he would have played in the development of young batsmen such as Tony de Zorzi and Jonathan Bird.
“It’s obviously hugely disappointing that Hashim will not be donning the WP colours this season. He would have been a huge asset to the team on and off the field, especially working with the group of talented young batsmen we have,” WP Cricket chief executive Michael Canterbury said yesterday.
“I want to thank Hashim and his representatives for the open interaction over these past couple of weeks, and we wish him everything of the best in the next stage of his career.”
WP have also yet to finalise the appointment of their new head coach, with Faiek Davids in the role on an interim basis at the moment.
Davids, the former WP first-class all-rounder, has been interviewed for the post along with former Proteas pace bowler Roger Telemachus and ex-Proteas Women’s assistant coach Saliegh Nackerdien.
Telemachus is the current WP Under-19 coach, while Nackerdien is the batting consultant at the Rocks in Paarl.
Former Highveld Lions and current Titans assistant coach Geoff Toyana has also been linked with the vacant post, while recently resigned Proteas assistant coach Enoch Nkwe’s current availability could make him an attractive option too.
WESTERN PROVINCE SQUAD
Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne, George Linde, Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger, Yaseen Vallie, Kyle Simmonds, Jonathan Bird, Mihlali Mpongwana, Tshepo Moreki, David Bedingham, Aviwe Mgijima, Vernon Philander (to be confirmed), Basheer Walters, Wayne Parnell, Beuran Hendricks (national contract)