Time is running out for Proteas veteran Hashim Amla to prove that he is ready to star for the national team at the World Cup in June.
With Cricket South Africa set to announce their 15-man squad for the tournament next week, Amla has failed to give the selectors any indication that he is back on his best after taking some time off from the game because of family commitments.
Having made his comeback for the Cape Cobras in the domestic T20 Challenge, Amla scored 16 runs in his first game back against the Lions last Sunday.
DECISION: Coach Ottis Gibson. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix.
He then had another shot at making an impression when the Capetonians lined up against the Titans in Benoni on Wednesday.
This time he only managed to score two runs before he was caught behind as the Cobras ultimately lost the match by seven wickets.
Luckily for Amla, one of his competitors for a place in the World Cup squad, Reeza Hendricks, is also underperforming at the moment.
In the two matches played to date for the Lions, Hendricks has only scored 11 runs.
NOT FIRING: Protea Reeza Hendricks is struggling at Lions. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix.
Amla’s experience is key for the Proteas at the World Cup and that’s why they need one of their leading men to be at his best.
The 36-year-old has another opportunity to prove his case on Friday in Paarl where the Cobras will host the Warriors at 6pm.