Hashim Amla is a selected member of the WAT South Africa A Team 2005/6. . Thanks to his South African franchise,
the Dolphins and his agents, Boundary Breakers, we managed to get in touch with Hashim and were given the opportunity to ask him a few questions.

Hashim has, at the age of 23 become a household name to cricket fans worldwide, not only for the fact that he created history in South Africa by becoming the first South African of Indian descent to play for the Proteas, but mostly for his elegant, classical stroke-play. Hashim first came to attention as a key player in the South Africa Under-19 team in 2000, before being elevated to the captaincy in 2002 for the Under-19 World Cup.  It wasn’t long before he was seen playing for South Africa A, scoring an accomplished 81 alongside the then vastly more experienced Darryl Cullinan against a very strong Australia A team.

After a rich vein of run scoring for KwaZulu-Natal in 2004, Hashim found himself in the running for a position in the Proteas middle-order for the tour to India. If his test debut in India, and subsequent spot in the home series against England came slightly too early for Hashim [scoring a disappointing 52 in 5 innings], then when he was recalled for the home series against New Zealand he was ready.

In his first innings back in the Test side, at Cape Town, Hashim racked up an impressive 149 runs against a strong New Zealand line-up; in the process helping South Africa secure a draw which had looked in doubt when New Zealand compiled 593-8. Hashim followed this up with another 50 at Johannesburg. If he can keep up performances like these,
a permanent slot in the South African middle order is his for the taking!

Q1. How were you first introduced to cricket, and what about the game got you hooked?

Hashim Amla: I was first introduced by my elder brother and my other relatives who played the game, whenever they
played I used to insist that I play as well and most of the time it was to bowl at them or fetch the ball after it had been hit over the fence…usual smaller brother duties!

Q2. What hobbies/sports do you get up to when not playing or training for cricket?

Hashim: I enjoy reading, swimming and soccer. I try fishing occasionally just to relax a bit.

Q3. Who are your favourite cricketers of all time, and which cricketer do you think influenced your own style the most?

Hashim: The cricketers I admire are Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis

Q4. What advice would you give to youngsters to encourage them to take up cricket?

Hashim: The feeling you get when you score a century or take a great catch… will make you want to play more and
more.

Q5. What has been your own personal highlight from your career so far?

Hashim: Representing South Africa, scoring my 1st test century. Captaining the Kwa-Zulu Natal Dolphins.

Q6. What are your views on 20:20 cricket, and do you think there is sufficient cricket played at the provincial level in South Africa?

Hashim: The 20 over game is fantastic, very exciting for everyone and plenty of boundaries. I think there are sufficient enough games at provincial level.
 
Q7. Who has been the greatest influence on your cricket career?

Hashim: My dad

Q8. Are there any young players around that you are aware of that could be knocking on the door for Test selection in the future?

Hashim: There are guys…like JP Duminy, Davy Jacobs just to name two but there are a few more.

Q9. What is your nickname, and how did you get it?

Hashim:  Hash, Hasho…no scientist is required to work out how I got those!

Q10. Do you see the 'A' team as a stepping-stone to full honours, or as a side-show detracting from provincial and full international cricket?

Hashim: I see the ‘A’ team as a stepping stone, when you tour or play other touring teams you get to come up against players who have played test cricket therefore the standard is very good.

Q11. What are your opinions on the Quota System in South Africa, and what are your views on South African cricketers seeking to further their opportunities abroad.

Hashim: I have always been brought up with the belief that one can only play in any team on merit, I have no problem with players seeking opportunities abroad, cricket is a universal game and there is plenty of scope around the world.

Q12. What are your views on South Africans opting to withdraw their eligibility for playing for South Africa to take up 'Kolpak' deals for money in the UK?

Hashim: Playing for your country is the biggest honour but if a cricketer chooses to exclude himself from eligibility then it is his decision.

Q13. What's been the most difficult obstacle to overcome in your cricket career?

Hashim: Scoring at test level is very challenging and I thank the Almighty for the opportunity to score a century.

Q14. How did you cope with the pressure after becoming the Dolphins' captain at only 21?

Hashim: I really enjoyed the experience especially having guys like Dale Benkenstein and Lance Klusener around was a big help.

Q15. You've played seven Tests now, do you feel that you have established yourself in the side?

Hashim: It takes time to establish one’s self in the team, consistent performance is what is needed to achieve that.

Q16. How much tougher is Test cricket compared to domestic first-class cricket?

Hashim:  It’s a big step but with the right preparation and experienced teammates it’s made a lot easier.

Q17. Congratulations on being named among the five Mutual & Federal SA Cricket Annual’s Cricketers of the Year. What does that award mean to you?

Hashim:  I thank the Almighty for this award. It simply means that I had a good last season, what I have been more busy with is preparing for the long season ahead.

Q18. Do you play for any overseas clubs in the off-season? If not, how do you keep fit?

Hashim: I do not currently play for any overseas teams but I do intend on playing sometime. I keep fit by doing my own training as well and training with other members of the Dolphins.

Once again, thanks to Hashim and his franchise, The Dolphins, for agreeing to be interviewed by WAT. The interview was carried out and published by Andy Mellon. We wish Hashim good luck for the season ahead, and hope to see him
in the Proteas colours again soon.