23rd July 2012 (ANI): CSA salutes Amla for making South Africa's highest ever Test score
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has saluted batsman Hashim Amla for his dual achievement of making South Afri ca's highest ever Test score and of becoming the first to make a triple century at this level.
Amla made 311 not out as South Africa declared on 637 for two against England at The Oval in London, a first innings lead of 252.
He and Jacques Kallis (182 not out) put on an unbeaten 377 for the third wicket, a record for South Africa against England.
"This has been a sensational performance by our top order," commented CSA Acting CEO Jacques Faul.
"But, Hashim has to be singled out for first breaking AB de Villiers's record of 278 not out, and then going on to join the 300 club. The Proteas have produced outstanding batting performances over the years, but an innings of 300 has been the one thing missing from the top order's CV and, it is wonderful that Hashim has put that to rest," he said.
"Hashim's contribution to South African cricket has gone far beyond the runs he has put on the scoreboard. He remains a wonderful role model to our youth with the humility and dignity he displays on the field, his totally professional and focused approach on the field and the manner in which he conducts himself both on and off the field," said Faul.
Faul also lauded skipper Graeme Smith for scoring a century in his 100th Test, Sport24 reports.
"To round it off, we have had our captain, Graeme Smith, scoring a century on his 100th Test match appearance and our acknowledged batting champion, Jacques Kallis, making his 43th Test match century. Hashim and Jacques have also equalled the performance of Graeme and Herschelle Gibbs in sharing three treble century stands. The platform has now been set for the remainder of this Test match," he said.
- ANI -
