Feel good story

There is a fantastic story today on The Times Live website today around Hashim Amla and I think this is the kind of story that South Africa needs to hear more of.

For those of you with a little bit of a memory you will remember that there was quite an outcry when Hashim Amla was selected to first play for the Proteas. The issue that was raised at the time was that he requested not to wear the logo of the South African Breweries (the national team sponsor) because ultimately it was against his religious beliefs.

It raised some issues because a lot of people felt that he was setting a bad precedent and could ultimately damage SAB's relationship with cricket.

However SAB relented and it the sport has been graced by a fantastic cricketer... even if Dean Jones did once infamously call him a terrorist on national television.

I won't lie - when Amla first came on the scene I didn't think he was good enough to play such a critical role in the team. I thought he would be technically found wanting against genuine quick bowlers and wouldn't be able to hold his place.

Earlier this week he moved into the top 10 batsmen in the world after his double century against India and another century in the second test. He's a good player.

He has an average just under 45. He has scored a double century and has multiple centuries against India and England. He has not got one against Australia yet but hopefully that will change in the not too distant future.

Even ODI cricket (which he hasn't played a lot of) he has an average over 45.

On behalf of South African cricket we thank a great cricketer for a great contribution to the team and our enjoyment as fans!