South African great Hashim Amla brought the curtains down on an illustrious career. Undoubtedly one of the greatest batters of his generation, Amla announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Wednesday. The South African greats cricketing career has spanned over two years.
Amla, who was seen playing in a T20 leagues and county cricket, had called time on his international career three years ago. The elegant playmaker, one of the greatest to have played for South Africa, has scored a whopping 18,672 runs for South Africa across all formats.
Having played for South Africa from 2004-2019, Alma has played for Proteas in 124 Tests, 181 ODIs and 44 T20Is. The Proteas star has scored fifty-five tons and eighty eight half-centuries. One of his greatest knocks, that will always be remembered is his triple-hundred. Amla hammered an unbeaten 311 against England at The Oval in July 2012. Amla’s triple hundred is to date the highest Test score by a South African player.
Immense gratitude for what has been: Hashim Amla
The 39-year-old announced his decision alongside his English county side – Surrey. Surrey took to Twitter and wrote, “Hashim Amla announces retirement from all forms of cricket. The legendary South African batter has declared his playing career over. From everyone at Surrey, thank you for everything Hash. @amlahash.”
Meanwhile, Amla was quoted by the Surrey website as he said, “I have great memories of the Oval ground and to finally leave it as a player fills me with immense gratitude for what has been.”
As the curtains drop on his playing career, Amla will next be seen donning the coaches hat. Next up for Amla is a coaching role with MI Cape Town. In the ongoing SA20 league, Amla will join MI Cape Town as the batting coach.
Tributes pour in as Hashim Amla Retires
As Amla hung up his boots, rich tributes poured in from former teammates. Former South African great Dale Stein took to social media site and shared a heartwarming post.
“He probably won’t see this tweet but I just wans tell you all, @amlahash is more than a cricketer, he is genuinely one of the best humans ever. The mighty # we salute you! Well done my friend,” wrote Steyn on Twitter.
Meanwhile, another former teammate and Proteas great Ab de Villiers shared a series of emotional tweets to pay tribute to his friend and former teammate.
“Hashim Amla.. where do I start?! Not easy. Might take me a few days, weeks, months, years. I can literally write a book about you. Human, thank you for always being there for me. You’ve always been a brother who made me feel safe in so many ways. Your journey wasn’t easy. “The guy with the weird technique”. “He’ll never last”. “He’ll never be consistent”.
“But then, in your own very unique way, you just walked out there, time and time again and just batted, like only you can. Calm, composed, consistent, gutsy, skilful and humble, always for the team, for you country. You inspired me in a way I can’t explain. So, today, I salute you my friend. You served the game to perfection! We can all learn from that. I did I wish I could bat with you one more time,” De Villiers tweeted.
Former South African captain and star all rounder JP Duminy tweeted Hashim Amla a legend and a true friend. Time to officially serve in a different capacity my man. Every cap you’ve had the privilege of wearing, you’ve done it with such poise and class. TO THOSE BEFORE US, TO THOSE TO COME, TODAY / TOMORROW WE WILL “ALWAYS” PLAY AS ONE
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