It is good challenge playing against England: Hashim Amla

Veteran South Africa batsman Hashim Amla looks very pleased with the way things have been shaping up for the South African team in the recent times. They are looking as the favorites for the ICC Champions Trophy this year. Prior to the mega event, they have a short ODI fixture against England in England. The 3-match ODI series is expected to serve as the preparatory ground for their Champions Trophy campaign.

Recently, Hashim Amla spoke at length about the prospects of the upcoming ODI series against England. He noted that the English team is a very balanced team. Hence, playing them in their backyard would be a good test for the Proteas lineup. Amla looked pleased with the way youngsters have been stepping up in the recent times. Proteas have a very balanced squad for the Champions Trophy.

“England are a good team, very well balanced, so it will be a good challenge to hone down our skills so we can start the tournament on a good note. We have a very good balance in the team,” quoted Hashim Amla.

“There are a few of us who have been around for a few years. A few exciting youngsters like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and Wayne Parnell, who has been around but still has age on his side. We have a very good mix, hopefully, we can all put it together in this series and the Champions Trophy,” he added further.

Adding further on the same note, he recalled that they had faced England in the last summer. The series was quite fruitful back then. Also, the competitive nature of the English cricketers is something that makes the contest more interesting. England, in the recent times, have come up with an out and out brand of cricket. They are one of the most exciting teams in the recent times.

“We played them not so long ago in South Africa and we know they have a long batting line-up with quite a few different bowling options. They are a well-balanced team, we understand that. We have had good series against them and because of their competitive nature, the way they have been playing and the way that we have been playing, I think it’s going to be a good series,” Hashim Amla mentioned.

On successful warm-up games

The South African team has done well in the two warm up games against Sussex and Nottinghamshire recently in the build up to the ODI series. All top order batsmen have managed to get amongst the runs. Amla feels the team is heading in the right direction.

“The warm-up matches went really well. When you come to a new place you want to try and get as much information from the conditions as possible. The two warm-up matches provided that; a lot of the batsmen got runs and the bowlers got a good workout. In the last game, guys were tested at different times which was a good experience,” he conceded.