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Hashim Amla retires from all forms of cricket

Gabbar Singh

Test Debutant
Joined
Nov 11, 2007
Runs
15,550
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/amlahash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amlahash</a> today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmlaRetires?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmlaRetires</a> <a href="https://t.co/l9qgnt0661">pic.twitter.com/l9qgnt0661</a></p>— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1159481282126127104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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HASHIM AMLA RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Thursday, 08 August 2019

HASHIM AMLA today called time on one of the great international careers of the modern era when he announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket. He will continue to be available for domestic cricket as well as the Mzansi Super League.

In an international career that was spread over 15 years he played 349 matches across the three formats for the Standard Bank Proteas, making more than 18 000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50.

The statistical highlights are almost too many to relate. He has made South Africa’s only Test triple century to date and has made the highest Test scores for his country against England, India and the West Indies and the highest against Australia in the post-unity period.

He also made 490 runs and was only dismissed once in the two-match Test series in India in 2010, scoring centuries in both innings of the second match to follow his unbeaten double century in the first and earned Man of the Series honours in both the Test and ODI series in England in 2012. His innings of 196 against Australia at Perth the same year won him the Man of the Match award and was an important contribution to the Proteas series-winning performance. This resulted in his becoming the No. 1 ranked batsman in the world in Test cricket in 2013.

His ODI career was equally successful as he was ranked among the best batsmen in this format for an extended period of time for much of that period having an average in excess of 50 and a strike rate of 100 and has been the quickest batsman to reach the landmarks of 2 000, 3 000, 4 000, 5 000, 6 000 and 7 000 runs in the format. He also holds the SA record of 27 ODI centuries.

During a brief spell as captain he led the Proteas to a rare Test series win in Sri Lanka.

He was named SA Cricketer of the Year in 2010 and again in 2013.

“It is always sad to bid farewell to one of the true legends of the game,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Thabang Moroe, “but at the same time this is rather an occasion to celebrate the richness that Hashim has brought to the game around the world both on and off the field. His humility has always been his standout quality and I cannot imagine a better role model to teach us all how to lead better lives. He has added great value not only to the Proteas but to the country at large.

“I am sure cricket players, administrators, the media and fans from around the world will join the CSA Family in congratulating Hashim on a job well done and to wish him all the best for the future.

“We can indeed be grateful that he remains available for our domestic cricket and will continue to contribute by passing on his rich cricket and life experiences to our next generation of players,” concluded Mr. Moroe.

“Firstly, all Glory and thanks to the Almighty for granting me this Proteas journey which has been nothing but a joy and privilege,” commented Hashim in a statement. “I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire.

“I would like to thank my parents for their prayers, love and support, it is their shadow over me that enabled me to play for years under the Protea sun.

“Also, My family, friends and agent, my team mates and every member of the support staff throughout this incredible journey. A heartfelt thank you to every one of you!

“The fans for energizing me when times were tough, and for celebrating with me when we succeeded together. Siyabonga South Africa!

“And, of course, a very special thanks to the President and the Board at Cricket South Africa - not forgetting the Chief Executive, Mr Thabang Moroe, and his administrative team. I really appreciate all the opportunities and am truly grateful.

“Love and peace.”

Hashim
 
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Tests - 9282 runs; 46.64 (ave); 100’s - 28

ODI’s - 8113 runs; 49.46 (ave); 100’s - 27

Very good career. Good luck for the future!
 
Long time coming

Ends up as one of South Africa’s great batsman and top 4 post 1992 after Kallis, Smith and AB
 
Good decision

He was a monster batsman in test and ODI cricket in his prime and should have retired some time ago
 
Great batsman.
I"ll put him ahead of devilliers in tests.

Kallis
Smith
Amla
Devilliers.
 
Top player. Was so consistant earlier in his carear. Shame he couldn't have a really prolific world cup to finish off with but a treat to watch when on song
 
55 hundreds at an average of 47-48 with a healthy away average is a great record.

Should have retired a couple of years back though, but will remember his triple hundred and series winning test hundred in SL.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hashim Amla announces his retirement from international cricket. He played 346 matches for South Africa, making 18,553 runs with 55 hundreds and 87 fifties across the three formats for his country <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/fw56Tf8p6e">pic.twitter.com/fw56Tf8p6e</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1159484425190748160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
I think it is a good time for him to retire. Let the young guys come in.

Thanks for all the memories, Amla. You were a true gentleman and a fantastic player.
 
He will go down as a SA batting legend.

I remember his debut with that strange technique and thought no way he’s going to succeed in International cricket but he worked damn hard to come back as one of the best batsman around when he was at his peak a few years ago.
 
The thing I really admire about him is his conduct on the field. Was a true gentleman.
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56605; The most ODI hundreds by a South African<br>&#55357;&#56495;&#55357;&#56495;&#55357;&#56495; The only Test triple hundred by a South African<br>&#55357;&#56607; One of 10 players to top the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> Test & ODI Batting Rankings simultaneously<br>⚡ The fastest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs<br><br>Thank you, <a href="https://twitter.com/amlahash?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amlahash</a> &#55357;&#56399; <a href="https://t.co/JrkZWbp1PU">pic.twitter.com/JrkZWbp1PU</a></p>— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1159487686488576001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He will go down as a SA batting legend.

I remember his debut with that strange technique and thought no way he’s going to succeed in International cricket but he worked damn hard to come back as one of the best batsman around when he was at his peak a few years ago.

I still remember how surprised posters on PP were when he scored a triple hundred during SA’s tour to India in early 2008. It was an extremely flat pitch where even India made merry and Sehwag too scored a triple hundred, but Amla’s innings caught everyone by surprise. Simply because he looked extremely mediocre when he started.
 
Great batsman.
Unfortunately it had to come to an end, he wasn't scoring anymore.
Would have loved him to have a go in the away Indian series.
 
I still remember how surprised posters on PP were when he scored a triple hundred during SA’s tour to India in early 2008. It was an extremely flat pitch where even India made merry and Sehwag too scored a triple hundred, but Amla’s innings caught everyone by surprise. Simply because he looked extremely mediocre when he started.

I thought his triple came against englamd in england?
 
Go well Hash. A gentleman of the sport, beautiful to watch in form.
 
One of the rare cricketers to have dominated a test series away from home in the backyard of each of the big three. A fantastic sportsman to have played the game and at the same time, a true gentleman of the game.

Best wishes to him for the next half of his career.
 
Ruined his legacy by carrying on when completely past it
 
Am surprised he didn't finish with a 50+ average in Tests. But haven't really watched him over the last years where he seems to have been in a long phase of decline.

He's been attacked a lot here (and I share the sentiment) for his alleged exploits in ODIs. But in Test cricket, undoubtedly one of the best of his era. Some of his knocks in India were the greatest by a visiting test batsman along with Cook (among players of the dogged style).

As a person you would have to struggle to dislike him. It would be easier to dislike his fans than him.

Apart from his batting in India and a tour of England, feel his greatest contribution was - he forced fans to view the long-beard in an alternative way and gave it respect in an era where this was much needed.
 
I think I've never witnessed a player's purple patch as good as Amla's was. Day in day out centruries.
 
He should proud of his loi career, coz everyone writes him off as a test specialist but he proves he belongs there..
 
So he's only plays in SA domestic only, ie won't participate other franchise league? Thinks he has a good record in CPL (even IPL he had good record)..
 
An absolute legend on and off the field. Like others have said, he should have retired a couple of years ago which would have preserved his average of 50+ in both formats but then South Africa would have struggled even more than they did. Unlike AB de Villiers, he stuck around even when he knew that he was in terminal decline due to a combination of age and T20.

Nothing needs to be said about his exploits in test cricket, where he has scored runs against all comers and especially in the backyards of four top teams: Australia, England, Pakistan and India. Similarly, his performances in bilateral ODIs were immense with his 150 in England against England, my personal favourite.

His record in World Cup matches is rightly criticized and a batsman of his stature should have done far more. However, he isn't the first great batsman to struggle with the pressures of a World Cup game and won't be the last one to retire with a mediocre record in cricket's premier competition.

Also, has one of the best emojis on Pakpassion. :amla
 
Should have retired 2-3 years ago. His legacy would have been entirely different.

Never a pressure player - but a wonderful, hard to dislodge batsman when at his peak.
 
A very good career and an inspiration on the field, best of luck to him for the future.
 
Amla is an over achiever and inspiration for people in cricket and beyond, he made batting look so easy once he got going in internationals but he wasn't exactly blessed with 'talunt' he had to grind and work extremely hard for rewards, my best memory of him will be that triple at the Oval and also playing a major role in helping that great SA Test team reach no.1 in the world, I feel that SA team post WI's and AUS faired much better in terms of balanced results home/away compared to other teams we have seen reach that status
 
An absolute legend on and off the field. Like others have said, he should have retired a couple of years ago which would have preserved his average of 50+ in both formats but then South Africa would have struggled even more than they did. Unlike AB de Villiers, he stuck around even when he knew that he was in terminal decline due to a combination of age and T20.

Nothing needs to be said about his exploits in test cricket, where he has scored runs against all comers and especially in the backyards of four top teams: Australia, England, Pakistan and India. Similarly, his performances in bilateral ODIs were immense with his 150 in England against England, my personal favourite.

His record in World Cup matches is rightly criticized and a batsman of his stature should have done far more. However, he isn't the first great batsman to struggle with the pressures of a World Cup game and won't be the last one to retire with a mediocre record in cricket's premier competition.

Also, has one of the best emojis on Pakpassion. :amla

He was in decline but put SA first rather then his average, a very proud south african and an important figure for what that team represented. Mandela would be proud!
 
Such a sharp decline to his career. Perhaps some good fortune was just around the corner... Eitherway, a brilliant cricketer and one of the best South Africa has ever produced. A true ambassador to the game of cricket and SA.

Farewell Amla!

Only Faf and Philander left from that ATG SA team. It's quite sad to see time just march on. Makes me feel old.
 
Amla is an over achiever and inspiration for people in cricket and beyond, he made batting look so easy once he got going in internationals but he wasn't exactly blessed with 'talunt' he had to grind and work extremely hard for rewards, my best memory of him will be that triple at the Oval and also playing a major role in helping that great SA Test team reach no.1 in the world, I feel that SA team post WI's and AUS faired much better in terms of balanced results home/away compared to other teams we have seen reach that status

The unbeaten away record of that team was something special, and as far as I know unheard of.
 
One on the great batsman of his time. Hope he pursues coaching after he stops playing around the world.
 
He was in decline but put SA first rather then his average, a very proud south african and an important figure for what that team represented. Mandela would be proud!

Yes, it's funny how we tend to overrate players who retire on a high and leave their teams when they are needed the most. Amla wasn't clogging up a spot in the South African team for the last couple of years; in fact he was one of their best bats.
 
Zero controversies off the field too. Was a complete professional.

Yes, absolutely. It takes a lot to forgive people. If I were him, I would have never forgiven Dean Jones. But he did, and did so immediately.
 
where is [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] who use to degrade this player?
 
A SA legend retires.

Thanks Amla for all the memories.

You have had a great career.

Wish you good luck in the future!
 
These past couple of years or so have been tough for him.

But he still has had an outstanding career in both formats.

I would rate his test career higher as he played more high class innings such as the double vs India and triple vs England.
 
Thank God. It was painful to watch him taking up a slot when any other RSA batsman could have performed better than him.
 
Philander doesn't belong here, he debuted after 2010.

His career overlapped with the rest on the list except maybe Boucher, IIRC. Point being, we might never see players of this quality playing on the same team in test cricket again.
 
Amazing batsman in his prime & a man of character.

Unfortunately he just couldn't reverse his decline. Vital part of SA's most successful modern (post re-admission) team.
 
A SA test XI will be:-

Graeme Smith
Barry Richards
Hashim Amla
Graeme Pollock
Jacques Kallis
AB de Villiers
Mark Boucher(wkt)
Mike Procter
Shaun Pollock
Dale Steyn
Allan Donald
 
A SA test XI will be:-

Graeme Smith
Barry Richards
Hashim Amla
Graeme Pollock
Jacques Kallis
AB de Villiers
Mark Boucher(wkt)
Mike Procter
Shaun Pollock
Dale Steyn
Allan Donald

how about gary kirsten?
 
My favorite innings from Amla was when he hit 311* against England. That was one heck of a performance.
 
Was a terrific player in his prime in both formats and was crucial to the fortunes of THAT Saffer team . Also a genuinely good human being. Class both on and off the field. A Saffer great.
 
From the players I've seen , an SA all-time test XI would be

Gary
Biff
Hash
Kallis
Cullinan/Prince
AB
Boucher
Pollock
Steyn
Donald
KG
 
Very good player in the same category as Moyo, Inzamam, Mahela, Laxman, Hussey, Martyn, Chanderpaul, Younis, Clarke etc. etc.

A great for his country but not any ATG by any measure.
 
One of the all-time greats of SA cricket, sad to see his international career end in such bad form.
 
Great player who served his country with distinction. Obviously hung around for two years too long and ruined his career stats a little bit.
 
Apparently, he was also the joint-fastest to 55 international centuries. A record-making machine.
 
2019 has seen the end of so many stars of the game.

Truly, a new era has begun for almost every team.
 
Great player who served his country with distinction. Obviously hung around for two years too long and ruined his career stats a little bit.

If we take away the three matches he played in 2004 and the last 15 tests he played, he averages over 51 in tests with 28 hundreds in 107 test matches.
 
definitely top 3 greatest ever south african player.

top 10 greatest of all time batsman.

Best Muslim origin player ever.
 
He's arguably South Africa's greatest across formats so top ten or 15 among modern batsmen is definitely a reasonable claim.

I am including all batsman, not just modern. I ahve no problem Amla being top 10 batsman post 2000s.
 
If we take away the three matches he played in 2004 and the last 15 tests he played, he averages over 51 in tests with 28 hundreds in 107 test matches.

No one is taking away matches from the start and end of his career to boost his average.
 
A great player and an even greater human being.

I was blown away by his humility during a press conference in India.

There was a time when Hashim Amla was a MONSTER in test cricket and a run machine in bilaterals.

Peak Amla was good against seam, swing, spin, bounce & pace.

A complete test batsman.
 
He's arguably South Africa's greatest across formats so top ten or 15 among modern batsmen is definitely a reasonable claim.

Across formats,

Kallis
AB
Donald
Pollock
Steyn

The five greatest across formats to come from South Africa.
 
Across formats,

Kallis
AB
Donald
Pollock
Steyn

The five greatest across formats to come from South Africa.

He's better than Kallis in ODIs and ABD in tests, while being South Africa's second-best in tests and ODIs, behind these two respectively. Their greatest batsman across formats. The rest are bowlers.
 
No one is taking away matches from the start and end of his career to boost his average.

Just exhibiting that he was a 50+ averaging batsman for 95% of his career. Sticking around for an extra few tests may have hurt his average but it's won him more respect from his countryment than someone like ABD.
 
He's better than Kallis in ODIs and ABD in tests, while being South Africa's second-best in tests and ODIs, behind these two respectively. Their greatest batsman across formats. The rest are bowlers.

Amla was a fine ODI batsmen but 2nd best?

AB, Klusenar and Kallis were three best in ODIs without any doubt.AB dominated '15 WC and was their best odi batsmen, Klusenar dominated the '99 WC and Kallis was pivotal in SA's ICC knockout win in 2000.

Tests,it's not much between Smith, Amla and AB but I will rank as Smith> Amla> AB. Kallis a tier above the three.
 
Amla was a fine ODI batsmen but 2nd best?

AB, Klusenar and Kallis were three best in ODIs without any doubt.AB dominated '15 WC and was their best odi batsmen, Klusenar dominated the '99 WC and Kallis was pivotal in SA's ICC knockout win in 2000.

Tests,it's not much between Smith, Amla and AB but I will rank as Smith> Amla> AB. Kallis a tier above the three.

ABD is second only to Viv in ODIs so Amla is no match for him. However, Klusenar barely has 3500 runs in the format and although a great finisher, cannot be compared to a proper top-order batsman who's average is 10 points higher. He's more of an all-rounder. Kallis was a decent ODI player for his time but he's no different to Rahul Dravid in that regard. He cannot be compared to elite ODI batsmen who have much higher SRs.

One tournament or match does not make a career. If that is the case then Yuvraj or Gambhir are far better ODI batsman than the GOAT choker, Virat Kohli.
 
ABD is second only to Viv in ODIs so Amla is no match for him. However, Klusenar barely has 3500 runs in the format and although a great finisher, cannot be compared to a proper top-order batsman who's average is 10 points higher. He's more of an all-rounder. Kallis was a decent ODI player for his time but he's no different to Rahul Dravid in that regard. He cannot be compared to elite ODI batsmen who have much higher SRs.

One tournament or match does not make a career. If that is the case then Yuvraj or Gambhir are far better ODI batsman than the GOAT choker, Virat Kohli.

Problem is that amla not only choked in semis and finals but also in league matches of world cup. He doesn't even have a single good innings in world cup. Now this is really embarrassing for a great batsmen like him.
He was a clutch test player and it is really odd that he wasn't able to survive in odis(in wc). Even in bilaterals he scored a lot of soft runs.

I"ll put him above kallis but he isn't better than klusener, not at all.
 
ABD is second only to Viv in ODIs so Amla is no match for him. However, Klusenar barely has 3500 runs in the format and although a great finisher, cannot be compared to a proper top-order batsman who's average is 10 points higher. He's more of an all-rounder. Kallis was a decent ODI player for his time but he's no different to Rahul Dravid in that regard. He cannot be compared to elite ODI batsmen who have much higher SRs.

<But>One tournament or match does not make a career</B>. If that is the case then Yuvraj or Gambhir are far better ODI batsman than the GOAT choker, Virat Kohli.

Kallis has 11K odi runs, at an average of 45 in his era. Lol, it is not about one inning at all. In Amla's era, he most definitely would have 52-53 average at Strike Rate about 85.

Kallis had bigger longevity than Amla in ODIs which means he survived longer, better performances in World Cup and ICC tournaments and just like Amla, a prolific run-scorer.

Both Kallis and Amla struggled in terms of inability to change gears. But as a batsmen, Kallis takes the cake without any doubt.

AB
Klusenar
Kallis

That's top 3 IMO. Top 5 will have Gibbs and Amla closing up.
 
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