Hashim Amla sees reverse-swing as major threat from the Aussie bowlers

Amla has been a vital cog in South Africa’s team for almost a decade now but he was not in the best of form in recent times. After the twin fifties in the Johannesburg Test, against India, he got only one 50+ score in the next 8 innings. He failed in both innings in South Africa’s loss against Australia in the first Test in Durban. 

However, in the second Test, he scored a patient and fighting 56. He grinded it out with opener Dean Elgar as the duo shared a vital 88-run partnership for the third wicket. The pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins were generating reverse-swing and were bowling very well. However, the cool and calm Amla took over as he played out each spell with supreme concentration before he was undone by a Mitchell Starc yorker. 

After the second day’s play, Amla revealed that the Australian bowlers are a major threat when the ball is reversing. They can move the ball both ways and are very skilful. He also told that Australia bowled well but not losing wickets was important. 

“They (Australian bowlers) got good shape in the air, their reverse swing can be in or out, they have bowlers who are skilled enough to do both,” Amla told SuperSport after the days' play.

“Australia bowled pretty well the whole session, we were trying to be as positive as possible, but there were not a lot of loose balls on offer. Not losing wickets in the session was important as the ball was reversing quite a bit at that stage.” 

After Amla was dismissed, South Africa lost a flurry of wickets, but AB de Villiers stood tall and took the hosts past Australia’s total. Amla stated that the way de Villiers bats is pleasing to watch even for his own teammates. 

“He is so pleasing to watch, after Dean and I grounded it out, AB comes in and makes it look very easy,” Amla stated. 

He said that South Africa would want to gain a sizeable lead as they have to bat last. He also revealed that it will be an important morning on day 3. 

“Ideally we would obviously like a sizeable lead, the ball is tailing in and we have to bat last in the second innings. It will be a very important morning and fortunately our bowlers have had a day to rest,” Amla said.