SOUTH Africa’s Hashim Amla and Graeme Smith were among seven new inductees into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame announced Monday.
Also included were India’s MS Dhoni, Australia’s Matthew Hayden and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, with former Pakistan captain Sana Mir and England’s Sarah Taylor recognised for their contributions to the women’s game.
The induction ceremony took place at London’s Abbey Road Studios, where the Beatles recorded many of their hit songs.
Abbey Road is just a short walk from Lord’s, where the World Test Championship final starts today.
The stylish Amla was the first South Africa batsman to score a Test-match triple century, making 311 not out against England at the Oval in 2012.
He often found himself playing alongside Smith.
Thrust into the captaincy aged just 22, Smith led South Africa in a world-record 109 Tests, with the former opening batsman the only player to captain a Test team for over 100 matches.
Amla says: “It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme.”
Smith adds: “This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.”