2015 has been a horrible year for the world’s number one test side South Africa. The Proteas have won just one test in the entire calendar year and that too against the ever dysfunctional West Indies.
Things went southwards for them after a humiliating series loss to India away from home. That was followed by a thrashing from England at Durban. Skipper Hashim Amla reflected on a disappointing year and said that the batting needs to improve without a doubt.
“It’s been disappointing for everybody,” Amla said after the first test against England.
“I certainly think it’s a confidence thing and we don’t know how long it will go on for, but we hope that we are close to turning it around. Dean Elgar started it off brilliantly, his hundred has been the positive light from this Test match for us. He batted well in India and the way he batted in this game is a good lesson for everyone.”
“I think this match, and probably, Delhi,” Amla mentioned as the dismal lows for South Africa in 2015.
“I think because the wickets were good cricket wickets and we didn’t manage to capitalise on that. I think it’s part of the game, we were in a good position and getting England out for 300 was probably 30 runs more than we wanted. Not scoring the runs has been our Achilles’ heel for a couple of Test matches, that’s probably the most disappointing.”
“I have been disappointed not to get the runs that I’ve wanted to,” he said.
“It started off well last year when I got some runs but not being able to maintain it has been disappointing. Certainly, as captain, you want to lead from the front. Hopefully, I can turn it around in the next match, start leading from the front by getting the runs on the board so that the boys can follow,” said Amla.