Tuesday 25 December 2018 18:38, UK
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has no concerns about Hashim Amla’s form ahead of the first Test against Pakistan.
Amla has slipped from his previous high standards, scoring only 444 runs at an average of 23.36 since his last century, against Bangladesh in October 2017.
But, Du Plessis is encouraged that Amla scored 61 in the second innings of a franchise match for the Cape Cobras last week.
"Hash has been our rock at No 3," the South Africa skipper said.
"What is important is time in the middle. Hashim knows he hasn't scored the amount of runs he would have liked in the last year but it's a new season and he's fresh, coming off a fifty.
"It is important for him to get off to a good start in this series, just to settle the nerves and be confident. Hashim technically he is one of the most sound players in the world."
Watch South Africa vs Pakistan, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 7.55am on Boxing Day.
