If breaking batting records was an art, then South Africa’s Hashim Amla would be the Picasso of it. He holds numerous records with the bat in One Day Internationals and is the only South African to score a triple century in tests.
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He has already amassed 8157 runs in just 105 tests, at an average of 49.44. As the Proteas look to continue their good run in England, let’s have a glance into the five great innings from the 34 year old in the longer format of the game.
149 vs New Zealand, Newlands, 27 April – 1 May 2006
This innings features on the list, thanks to being Amla’s maiden century in tests. It came in a high scoring encounter, in which the Kiwis posted a huge first innings total of 593 on the board.
In response, the hosts managed to score 512, with both Amla and Ashwell Prince grabbing centuries.
The innings was not one of Amla’s trademark knocks, but would be an important one as it paved the way for him establish himself in the side, after his comeback in tests.
100 vs England, Centurion, 16 – 20 December 2009
Stepping out to bat in their second innings with a lead of 62 runs, South Africa were having a meltdown when they lost first four wickets with just 46 runs on the board.
It was up to Hashim Amla and AB De Villiers to steady the ship, and they did just that, guiding their team to respectable total of 301.
Amla showed his composure throughout the innings, crouching low in his stance to combat the bounce on the pitch and calmly working the gaps.
His solid display was instrumental in South Africa drawing that match at the end of day 5.
121 vs England, Lord’s, 16 – 20 August 2012
Back in 2012, England put into a do – or – die situation to retain their no.1 title in tests from their opponents, South Africa.
The hosts carried a 6-run lead before sending the South Africans to bat again, and looked to be in a strong position when they managed to dismiss Alviro Peterson and Graeme Smith early on.
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Amla produced a gritty performance, forming partnerships with Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiers, helping the team to set a stiff total of 345 for England to chase. South Africa ended up winning the match by 51 runs.
253 vs India, Nagpur, 6 – 9 February 2010
After South Africa were reduced to 6/2, Amla joined forces with Jacques Kallis to produce the rescue act, with the latter scoring a 173, and guided the visitors to a formidable total of 558/6.
Amla spent more than 11 hours at the crease, showcasing immense values of determination and discipline, taking singles and putting away the loose deliveries to the fence.
Then the bowlers managed to dominate the hosts, guiding the team to a massive innings and 6 runs victory. Hashim Amla was adjudged the Man of the Match.
311 vs England, The Oval, 19 – 23 July 2012
Batting first, England put up a decent total of 385 on the board. In reply, South Africa literally killed off the game by piling up a mammoth 637/2, thanks largely to the triple century from Hashim Amla and centuries from Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis.
The South African bowlers did the rest of the job, bowling England out for a total of 240, and helping their win to an innings and 12 runs win. The Man of the Match award was given to Amla, who became the first South African to score a triple century in tests.
