Veteran batsman Hashim Amla has pulled out of the South African One-Day International squad to play Sri Lanka for family reasons, granting a reprieve for opener Reeza Hendricks who had been dropped for the final two matches of the series.

"Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODIs of the current series on compassionate grounds since his father is critically ill," Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Hendricks played as an opener in the first three games of the series, all won by South Africa, but managed scores of only 1, 29 and 4, dealing a blow to his chances of making the squad for the World Cup in England and Wales starting in late May.

The experienced Amla, 35, is seen as a certainty to travel to the global showpiece tournament, but had been rested for the start of the series to allow Hendricks to stake his claim.

The fourth ODI will be played in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

Veteran batsman Hashim Amla has pulled out of the South African One-Day International squad to play Sri Lanka for family reasons, granting a reprieve for opener Reeza Hendricks who had been dropped for the final two matches of the series.

Veteran batsman Hashim Amla has pulled out of the South African One-Day International squad to play Sri Lanka for family reasons, granting a reprieve for opener Reeza Hendricks who had been dropped for the final two matches of the series. "Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODIs of the current series on compassionate grounds since his father is critically ill," Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed in a statement on Tuesday. Hendricks played as an opener in the first three games of the series, all won by South Africa, but managed scores of only 1, 29 and 4, dealing a blow to his chances of making the squad for the World Cup in England and Wales starting in late May. The experienced Amla, 35, is seen as a certainty to travel to the global showpiece tournament, but had been rested for the start of the series to allow Hendricks to stake his claim. The fourth ODI will be played in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

South Africa's Hashim Amla to miss ODIs on compassionate grounds

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series.

Amla scored 71 before gloving a rising delivery from Hasan Ali behind to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed while de Kock was 77 not out as South Africa went to lunch on 232 for seven wickets, 309 runs ahead.

De Kock took just 49 balls to get to his half century and will continue after lunch along with Kagiso Rabada (four not out).

Pakistan did not take full advantage from a pitch cracking in places and offering uneven bounce as they took only two wickets in the morning session after South Africa came into bat on 135-5 overnight.

Amla completed his 41st Test half-century before perishing to a ball that found a crack and reared up to catch him by surprise.

Vernon Philander was trapped leg before wicket by a yorker from Mohammad Amir for 14 after helping to add to a total of 97 runs in the session at a brisk run rate of just under four per over.

With plenty of time left in the test, South Africa will likely look to continue batting and set Pakistan a near impossible target, mindful of the fact that Pakistan have scored more than 200 runs in only one of their five previous innings in the series.

South Africa scored 262 in their first innings of the third test with Pakistan replying with 185.

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series.

Both Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock completed half-centuries on Sunday as South Africa continued to amass a sizeable lead over Pakistan on the third day of the third Test at the Wanderers, looking to complete a clean sweep of the series. Amla scored 71 before gloving a rising delivery from Hasan Ali behind to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed while de Kock was 77 not out as South Africa went to lunch on 232 for seven wickets, 309 runs ahead. De Kock took just 49 balls to get to his half century and will continue after lunch along with Kagiso Rabada (four not out). Pakistan did not take full advantage from a pitch cracking in places and offering uneven bounce as they took only two wickets in the morning session after South Africa came into bat on 135-5 overnight. Amla completed his 41st Test half-century before perishing to a ball that found a crack and reared up to catch him by surprise. Vernon Philander was trapped leg before wicket by a yorker from Mohammad Amir for 14 after helping to add to a total of 97 runs in the session at a brisk run rate of just under four per over. With plenty of time left in the test, South Africa will likely look to continue batting and set Pakistan a near impossible target, mindful of the fact that Pakistan have scored more than 200 runs in only one of their five previous innings in the series. South Africa scored 262 in their first innings of the third test with Pakistan replying with 185.

South Africa lose two wickets but lead swells against Pakistan

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury.

Amla and Duminy have been sidelined along with 20-year-old all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as South Africa juggle a number of injury concerns.

Morris had been a regular in the limited-overs side before missing series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2018, and is likely to play a key role Down Under.

Also returning to the squad are all-rounders Farhaan Behardien and Dwaine Pretorius, while veteran seamer Dale Steyn has been included after he made a successful return to international action in the recent series against Zimbabwe.

"Chris confirmed his fitness with his excellent form for the Titans in the first two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series," Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"He is the leading wicket-taker in this competition to date and also adds value as a batting option in the lower-order.

"With Wiaan Mulder ruled out at the moment through injury we need to look at our resources as far as batting all-rounder options are concerned and Dwaine, in particular, fits into this category.

"We have also lost a lot of experience in our specialist batting order through the injuries to Hashim Amla and JP Duminy, and Farhaan gives us another experienced option in the top order."

South Africa will play three one-day internationals, starting in Perth on Nov. 4, followed by a one-off Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast on Nov. 17.

Squad:&nbsp;

Faf du Plessis (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury.

South Africa will be without limited-overs stalwarts Hashim Amla and JP Duminy for their white-ball tour of Australia next month but welcome back all-rounder Chris Morris from injury. Amla and Duminy have been sidelined along with 20-year-old all-rounder Wiaan Mulder as South Africa juggle a number of injury concerns. Morris had been a regular in the limited-overs side before missing series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in 2018, and is likely to play a key role Down Under. Also returning to the squad are all-rounders Farhaan Behardien and Dwaine Pretorius, while veteran seamer Dale Steyn has been included after he made a successful return to international action in the recent series against Zimbabwe. "Chris confirmed his fitness with his excellent form for the Titans in the first two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series," Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a statement on Wednesday. "He is the leading wicket-taker in this competition to date and also adds value as a batting option in the lower-order. "With Wiaan Mulder ruled out at the moment through injury we need to look at our resources as far as batting all-rounder options are concerned and Dwaine, in particular, fits into this category. "We have also lost a lot of experience in our specialist batting order through the injuries to Hashim Amla and JP Duminy, and Farhaan gives us another experienced option in the top order." South Africa will play three one-day internationals, starting in Perth on Nov. 4, followed by a one-off Twenty20 international on the Gold Coast on Nov. 17. Squad: Faf du Plessis (captain), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

Morris in, Amla and Duminy out for Proteas trip to Australia

The 2018 U-19 World Cup, currently underway in New Zealand, is attracting a lot of attention the world over among cricket fans. With its coverage having gone bigger and more visible, there is a lot of focus and excitement on the young players performing in the event. Every good performance is being applauded and new talents being keenly observed.

&nbsp;

In India&rsquo;s first game against Australia, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, the Indian quicks, bowled with great venom and constantly clicked speeds of over 140 km/h. In a country that has been starved of decent pace bowlers, this was a sight for the tired eyes and was applauded wholeheartedly in the social media. In fact, none other than ex-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly tweeted, mentioning that these young quicks are worth keeping an eye out for.

&nbsp;

This just goes to show how much of an impact the U-19 World Cup has these days. There was a time when this tournament was barely noticed. And today, it has become a genuine launch pad for youngsters to be internationally recognized even before they have played any first-class cricket. So the question that needs to be asked now is whether the U-19 World Cup can now be considered as a stepping stone for young cricketers for an international call-up?

&nbsp;

Youngsters need to go through the rigors of first-class cricket first

&nbsp;

It is well known by now that the likes of Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Kane Williamson, and Hashim Amla, to name a few, first got recognition through their exploits in the U-19 World Cup. However, it was through the grind, toil and repeated success at the first-class level that these players got the opportunity to represent the country.

&nbsp;

The U-19 World Cup is a good platform. It allows youngsters some great exposure of playing in different conditions of the world and of facing off against cricketers of all nationalities. The experience they gather in such a high-octane and fiercely competitive tournament can be extremely helpful in molding them for the path ahead.

&nbsp;

It would be unwise, however, to take them directly from the U-19 level to the international one. The path in between those two phases must be covered by every cricketer. Getting to skip it altogether, except in some extremely rare cases, might do more harm than good to the young cricketers.

&nbsp;

The World Cup provides an experience of a very different kind to these young lads. But they also need to hone their skills and go through the toil of first-class cricket to become a proper and complete cricketer. There is and should never be an easy way to success. Rushing those kids to the world of international cricket might hamper their progress.

&nbsp;

First-class cricket allows players to be disciplined, patient, and tenacious. Without developing these traits through the rigors of domestic cricket, a youngster, who has been inducted in international cricket directly, might struggle as he grows older.

&nbsp;

So, while we should definitely be excited for young talents emerging from the U-19 World Cup, we should also be very watchful to not go overboard with it or call for their inclusion in international cricket straightaway. After all, there is a whole sea of a difference between those two levels. And that needs to be respected.

&nbsp;

For now, let us savour the young talents like Prithwi Shah, Raynard van Tonder, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shaheen Shah Afridi and, Jason Sangha, among a plethora of others featuring in the ICC U-19 World Cup. And just hope that they go on to make a name for themselves in international cricket in the years to come as better versions of themselves.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It was through the grind, toil and repeated success at the first-class level that players, such as Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Kane Williamson, and Hashim Amla got the opportunity to represent the country.

The 2018 U-19 World Cup, currently underway in New Zealand, is attracting a lot of attention the world over among cricket fans. With its coverage having gone bigger and more visible, there is a lot of focus and excitement on the young players performing in the event. Every good performance is being applauded and new talents being keenly observed. In India’s first game against Australia, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, the Indian quicks, bowled with great venom and constantly clicked speeds of over 140 km/h. In a country that has been starved of decent pace bowlers, this was a sight for the tired eyes and was applauded wholeheartedly in the social media. In fact, none other than ex-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly tweeted, mentioning that these young quicks are worth keeping an eye out for. This just goes to show how much of an impact the U-19 World Cup has these days. There was a time when this tournament was barely noticed. And today, it has become a genuine launch pad for youngsters to be internationally recognized even before they have played any first-class cricket. So the question that needs to be asked now is whether the U-19 World Cup can now be considered as a stepping stone for young cricketers for an international call-up? Youngsters need to go through the rigors of first-class cricket first It is well known by now that the likes of Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Kane Williamson, and Hashim Amla, to name a few, first got recognition through their exploits in the U-19 World Cup. However, it was through the grind, toil and repeated success at the first-class level that these players got the opportunity to represent the country. The U-19 World Cup is a good platform. It allows youngsters some great exposure of playing in different conditions of the world and of facing off against cricketers of all nationalities. The experience they gather in such a high-octane and fiercely competitive tournament can be extremely helpful in molding them for the path ahead. It would be unwise, however, to take them directly from the U-19 level to the international one. The path in between those two phases must be covered by every cricketer. Getting to skip it altogether, except in some extremely rare cases, might do more harm than good to the young cricketers. The World Cup provides an experience of a very different kind to these young lads. But they also need to hone their skills and go through the toil of first-class cricket to become a proper and complete cricketer. There is and should never be an easy way to success. Rushing those kids to the world of international cricket might hamper their progress. First-class cricket allows players to be disciplined, patient, and tenacious. Without developing these traits through the rigors of domestic cricket, a youngster, who has been inducted in international cricket directly, might struggle as he grows older. So, while we should definitely be excited for young talents emerging from the U-19 World Cup, we should also be very watchful to not go overboard with it or call for their inclusion in international cricket straightaway. After all, there is a whole sea of a difference between those two levels. And that needs to be respected. For now, let us savour the young talents like Prithwi Shah, Raynard van Tonder, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shaheen Shah Afridi and, Jason Sangha, among a plethora of others featuring in the ICC U-19 World Cup. And just hope that they go on to make a name for themselves in international cricket in the years to come as better versions of themselves. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Should U-19 World Cup be the stepping stone for cricketers aiming international level?

Hashim Amla made a century in his 100th Test match as he and JP Duminy put South Africa in command on the first day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka today.

South Africa reached 338 for three at the close of play, with Amla unbeaten on 124 at the Wanderers Stadium.

Duminy made 155 before he was caught at second slip off Lahiru Kumara in the penultimate over of the day, ending a third wicket partnership of 192.

Amla became the eighth player and second South African after former captain Graeme Smith to mark 100 Tests with a hundred.

After a lean run of form, Amla struggled early in his innings.

The left-handed Duminy was the dominant partner as he shepherded Amla, who was dropped by Dhananjaya de Silva at gully off Suranga Lakmal when he had five.

Amla only scored six in the pair&#39;s first 50 runs together. Gradually, though, Amla found his timing and he reached his first half-century in 11 Test matches shortly before tea. He had faced 109 balls and hit seven fours.

He blossomed to hit his second half-century off only 60 balls, reaching his 26th Test hundred when he skipped down the wicket and lofted Rangana Herath over mid-off for his 14th four.

Duminy, by contrast, cruised to his half-century off 62 balls with ten boundaries and went on to his sixth Test century after facing 140 deliveries and adding four more boundaries.

Duminy&#39;s previous highest score in three previous Tests at the Wanderers was 29.

Amla and Duminy came together when both opening batsmen, Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar, were dismissed within six balls when the total was on 45. 
 
Cook and Elgar survived the first hour before both were out soon after the mid-morning drinks break.

Cook, playing in a Test on his home ground for the first time, was leg before wicket to Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews for ten. He sought a review of umpire Bruce Oxenford&#39;s decision but was palpably in front of his stumps.

In the next over Elgar, on 27, pushed at a lifting delivery from Kumara and was caught at first slip by Dimuth Karunaratne.

Kumara finished the day with two for 79.

South Africa opted for an all-pace attack and gave a first cap to Duanne Olivier, 24, with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj being left out.

Left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell replaced Kyle Abbott, whose contract with Cricket South Africa was cancelled after he revealed he had signed a Kolpak contract to play English county cricket with Hampshire.

&quot;These are nice conditions for Duanne to make a debut,&quot; South African captain Faf du Plessis said at the toss.

&quot;He&#39;s got a bit of pace and skill. Our best team in general conditions has a spinner but at the Wanderers in the past spin doesn&#39;t really play a role.&quot;&nbsp;

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Hashim Amla became the eighth player in the world to mark 100 Tests with a hundred

Hashim Amla made a century in his 100th Test match as he and JP Duminy put South Africa in command on the first day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka today. South Africa reached 338 for three at the close of play, with Amla unbeaten on 124 at the Wanderers Stadium. Duminy made 155 before he was caught at second slip off Lahiru Kumara in the penultimate over of the day, ending a third wicket partnership of 192. Amla became the eighth player and second South African after former captain Graeme Smith to mark 100 Tests with a hundred. After a lean run of form, Amla struggled early in his innings. The left-handed Duminy was the dominant partner as he shepherded Amla, who was dropped by Dhananjaya de Silva at gully off Suranga Lakmal when he had five. Amla only scored six in the pair's first 50 runs together. Gradually, though, Amla found his timing and he reached his first half-century in 11 Test matches shortly before tea. He had faced 109 balls and hit seven fours. He blossomed to hit his second half-century off only 60 balls, reaching his 26th Test hundred when he skipped down the wicket and lofted Rangana Herath over mid-off for his 14th four. Duminy, by contrast, cruised to his half-century off 62 balls with ten boundaries and went on to his sixth Test century after facing 140 deliveries and adding four more boundaries. Duminy's previous highest score in three previous Tests at the Wanderers was 29. Amla and Duminy came together when both opening batsmen, Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar, were dismissed within six balls when the total was on 45. Cook and Elgar survived the first hour before both were out soon after the mid-morning drinks break. Cook, playing in a Test on his home ground for the first time, was leg before wicket to Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews for ten. He sought a review of umpire Bruce Oxenford's decision but was palpably in front of his stumps. In the next over Elgar, on 27, pushed at a lifting delivery from Kumara and was caught at first slip by Dimuth Karunaratne. Kumara finished the day with two for 79. South Africa opted for an all-pace attack and gave a first cap to Duanne Olivier, 24, with left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj being left out. Left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell replaced Kyle Abbott, whose contract with Cricket South Africa was cancelled after he revealed he had signed a Kolpak contract to play English county cricket with Hampshire. "These are nice conditions for Duanne to make a debut," South African captain Faf du Plessis said at the toss. "He's got a bit of pace and skill. Our best team in general conditions has a spinner but at the Wanderers in the past spin doesn't really play a role." (AFP)

South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Amla cracks ton in 100th Test

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. 
 
Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. 
 
Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. 
 
West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. 
 
The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. 
 
Tahir&#39;s haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. 
 
In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. 
 
Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m grateful she reminded me,&quot; the 37-year-old said. &quot;I&#39;m really pleased.&quot; 
 
West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. 
 
&quot;We weren&#39;t good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn&#39;t bowl well, especially the first 10 overs,&quot; he said. 
 
South Africa&#39;s victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. 
 
South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. 
 
The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. 
 
&quot;Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final,&quot; said South African captain AB de Villiers. 
(Reuters)

In his 58th match, Imran Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir became the first South African to claim seven wickets in a One-Day International as the Proteas demolished West Indies in St Kitts on Wednesday. Tahir served up a rich variety of deliveries to claim 7-45 from nine overs as the South Africa won by 139 runs, dismissing the bewildered West Indies for 204 in 38 overs at Warner Park. Earlier, Hashim Amla scored 110 off 99 balls to notch his 23rd career ODI century, sharing an opening partnership of 182 with Quinton de Kock (71) to set the visitors on their way to a formidable 343-4. West Indies made a bright start in reply with openers Johnson Charles and Andrew Fletcher compiling a quickfire 69 before the latter holed out at deep mid-wicket for 21 from the last ball of the ninth over to give Tahir his first wicket. The result was never in doubt once Charles, who scored 49, was sent packing in the 13th over. Tahir's haul included the scalp of World Twenty20 hero Carlos Brathwaite, who was clean bowled by a wicked googly for a golden duck. In his 58th match, Tahir became the fastest South African bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets, and the fourth quickest overall. Tahir said he had not realised he needed only two wickets to crack the century until a pre-match phone call came from his wife. "I'm grateful she reminded me," the 37-year-old said. "I'm really pleased." West Indies captain Jason Holder offered no excuses. "We weren't good enough today and were totally outplayed. We didn't bowl well, especially the first 10 overs," he said. South Africa's victory leaves the triangular series evenly poised, with the Proteas, West Indies and Australia all on two wins from four matches. South Africa, thanks to two bonus points, lead the standings with 10 points, followed by Australia on nine and West Indies on eight. The series shifts to Barbados for three more matches from Sunday and the hosts face the biggest challenge if they are to make the June 25 final. "Probably one (victory) out of two games will be enough for us to go to the final," said South African captain AB de Villiers. (Reuters)

Tahir spins South Africa to victory over West Indies

hashim-amla

Hashim Amla, News on Hashim Amla, stories on Hashim Amla, articles on Hashim Amla, Hashim Amla stories at Wion, Hashim Amla news, Hashim Amla latest news