Moment of truth for Amla
Cautious optimism to take Proteas back to the top
LOCAL cricketing hero Hashim Amla will make history today (Wednesday) when he takes the field as South Africa's first Indian skipper, leading a team in transition after the retirements of Test greats, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis.
Amla, a devout Muslim, was named captain last month after Smith retired from international cricket, signalling the end of an era which saw him lead out the Proteas a record-breaking 109 times over 10 years.
Amla is the first player of colour to captain the Test side in a full-time capacity -- Ashwell Prince skippered on a stand-in basis previously.
A two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle, starting today, is Amla's first assignment as South Africa look to rebuild in the absence of Smith and allrounder Kallis.
Amla, who has often shied away from the public eye, has urged patience, saying it will take time for a successful new side to gel.
“It's a newish team with a few new names. It took the previous team a few years before we found a winning combination,” said Amla, who smashed two centuries in the three-match oneday series against Sri Lanka.
He cautioned that “not many teams go to Sri Lanka and dominate”.
The visitors go into the Tests on the back of their maiden ODI series victory in Sri Lanka, having won the third and final game in Hambantota on Saturday to clinch the t series 2-1.
Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews’s form has improved since taking charge of the team last February – and with the ever-dependable Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara alongside him, the home team are a strong outfit.
“We normally do perform well under pressure. It's just a matter of absorbing it,” said Mathews.
“We've done pretty well in the past six months and I hope the team will continue to do so,” he added.
The hosts will draw confidence from their last outing at home against South Africa in 2006 which saw them win 2-0, including a massive innings-and-153run victory in the first Test.
South Africa will be looking to reclaim their number one Test ranking from Australia, while the hosts are keen to improve their sixth spot.
The visitors can climb to the top of the charts only if they clinch the series 2-0.
“Any Test team wants to be ranked number one,” said Amla. “We've had that privilege, but having lost it is a fair reflection of how we have played.
“We haven't played our best cricket over the last year or so,” he admitted. “It is a proud thing to be ranked number one. Foremost in my mind is to try and get us back there.”
Sri Lanka have recalled opener Upul Tharanga to their 15-member squad after six years while South Africa have added two fresh faces: batsman Stiaan van Zyl and off-spinner Dane Piedt, who are both strong candidates to make their debut.
The second and final Test will be played in Colombo from July 24.
SQUADS: Sri Lanka (from): Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithuruwan Vith-anage, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad and Chanaka Welegedara.
South Africa (from): Alviro Petersen, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla (captain), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Kyle Abbott, Quinton de Kock and Dane Piedt.
Sapa-AFP THE Sharks narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for a Super Rugby semi-final after they were pipped to the post by a single point.
The Waratahs, who finished in pole position, and the Crusaders, who finished second, can put their feet up and wait to see who they will take on in next weekend's semi final matches.
Although the Sharks will be disappointed at missing out on the automatic semi-final berths after occupying top spot for most of the competition, they will be buoyed by their 34-10 demolition of the Stormers in Cape Town at the weekend.
The Sharks defended like trojans and this is a telling sign going into the quarter-finals.
On Saturday at 5pm King’s Park will go black and white as the Sharks take on Otago side, the Highlanders.
The Highlanders are coming off a 34-8 thumping at the hands of the Crusaders.
Although having fond memories of their last visit to the Shark tank when they won 43-17 in April, they will have to produce a Herculian effort this time to shock the rugby world and stop the Sharks advancing to the semi finals.
The home side have been further boosted by the news that their powerhouse Tendai “The Beast “Mtawarira and charismatic Patrick Lambie have been given the green light for Saturday’s encounter.
Sharks coach Jake White said: “I am proud of the Stormers result, they were on a six-match winning streak and have a quality team. Our defence was awesome and this is a key ingredient of how championships are won.”
On Saturday the Sharks forwards will be too strong for their New Zealand opponents.
Sharks strong man Jean Deysel said they were feeling very