Hashim Amla feels underdogs status will help South Africa
England, India and Australia are considered to be the favorites for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards. Having said that, the focus on South Africa hasn't been as anticipated. Premier batsman Hashim Amla feels that will help the Proteas in terms of doing well. Here are the details.
South Africa have played a consistent brand of cricket
Since the 5-1 drubbing faced in the hands of India, South Africa have played a strong brand of cricket in ODIs. They have won five successive ODI series to gain a lot of impetus. The Proteas will go into the Cricket World Cup with lots of confidence under their belt. One also feels staying away from the limelight can aid them.
The focus is not on us, says Amla
Amla stated that this time the focus is not on South Africa. "This year, you don't see the same big names and that is why the focus is not on us but that has some good in it. There has not been much chat about us winning in comparison to the past but I don't think that played a part in how we performed."
Amla feels South Africa can do well
"At the end of the day, we always gave our best and played to win. The fact there has not been a lot of chat at this World Cup means there is less expectation but in the team we think we can do well."
Amla struggled for intensity in terms of scoring runs
Amla's form suffered a blow especially in Test cricket in recent times. The veteran top order batsman was picked by the selectors largely due to his experience. South Africa need someone like Amla to carry them forward and score aplenty. He will also be fighting for a place with Aiden Markram for an opening spot. Amla stated that he is hungrier than ever.
I am hungrier than ever before: Amla
"I am hungrier than ever before, there is no doubt about that. I have been blessed to have this shirt for a while but the time off has made me want to come back stronger," Amla was quoted as saying by the ICC.
Amla crucial for South Africa's chances: Our take
Amla has done fairly well in the World Cup. This is his third Cricket World Cup. He has amassed a total of 639 runs in 15 games at an average of 42.60. The idea will be to chip in strongly. Amla is a successful player in ODIs and has 27 hundreds. He has smashed one hundred and a fifty in 2019.
