Hashim Amla is not making the most of the chance he got to play at this year’s World Cup in England.
Before the squad was announced for the global showpiece, the inclusion of Amla was a hotly-debated topic.
In the end it was decided that, despite his poor form heading into the tournament, that it would be silly to enter the campaign without his experience in the squad.
Then in the warmup matches against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, the 36-year-old scored 51 and 65 respectively to give fans some hope that he is back to his best again.
But then he got struck against the head by a Jofra Archer delivery in the first match against England and had to leave the field before returning to lose his wicket for 13 runs.
OPENING OPTION: Batter Aiden Markram. Photo: Gavin Barker/Backpagepix.
Concussion from that blow then saw Amla miss the defeat to Bangladesh.
But he was back again in the match against India, failing to get to double figures, only scoring six runs in that defeat.
Then, on Monday, before rain washed out the match against the Windies, Amla again failed to get to double figures, getting six runs before he was removed.
The veteran has now scored 25 runs in three innings at the tournament.
Can't stop, won't stop 🇿🇦🔥 Tomorrow we go again #ProteaFire #CWC19 #SAvWI pic.twitter.com/uF95kcnWIP
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 9, 2019
But Proteas captain Faf du Plessis is convinced that his big knock is just around the corner - hopefully for South Africans, it’s against Afghanistan in their next match on Saturday.
Du Plessis explains: “Hash is a class player.
“It was tough on a wicket like that.
“If you get through the first 10-15 overs when there is a bit more pace and bounce, that’s when the scores come.
FULL BACKING: Captain Faf du Plessis. Photo: Reuters.
“He’ll be disappointed that he got out [early against the Windies], but he has been hitting the ball really well in the nets and we’re hoping that it’s around the corner for him.
“He played a really good innings the two games leading up to the World Cup. And like most of our batters it’s just a case of getting in.”