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Cape Town - Proteas coach Russell Domingo is backing his captain, Hashim Amla, to come good with the bat against what is expected to be a dangerous England bowling attack this summer.
Despite the unfavorable conditions the Proteas were exposed to in their 3-0 series loss to India last month, more would have been expected of their leader, who scored 118 runs in the series at an average of 16.85.
Now, back on home soil, Amla and the rest of the batting line-up will be looking to get some runs under the belt quickly.
Domingo didn't seem too stressed about any of his batsmen when addressing media in Durban this week, and was quick to point out that conditions in South Africa - while still difficult for batting - would be far more comfortable than they were in India.
"I think everyone will feel a little bit of pressure," Domingo said.
"Hashim’s record over the last six or seven years is better than most cricketers in the world.
"So I know he’s so close to a big score … he’s hitting the ball really well, his positions are really good, he’s training hard. He just needs one or two things to go for him."
Domingo almost reluctantly backed Amla to have a major say with the bat in this series, seemingly not wanting to jinx his skipper.
"You never want to take anything for granted and you never want to pre-empt anything, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Hashim has a really good series," he said.
Domingo was also asked about concerns in the rest of his batting line-up following India, particularly the doubts surrounding the opening partnership of Stiaan van Zyl and Dean Elgar.
But, again, he didn't seem too concerned and backed his players.
"We’ve got some serious quality in our batting line-up. We know it’s all about runs and putting in big performances, players are fully aware of that," he said.
"But we know it’s one big score away … one good start or one dropped catch and somebody can get a bit of luck and some momentum going and everything can click into place.
"That’s part of the game. You’re not always going to be on top of your game as a batsman. You’re going to go through lulls … you need to find ways of getting out of it."
The Proteas take on England in the first Test on Boxing Day in Durban.
