Share

Amla absence an opportunity

Kandy - The Proteas will be without ace batsman, Hashim Amla for the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Friday.

Amla is still recovering from the groin injury he sustained during the second ODI on Tuesday.

"It looks like Hashim is not going to play so it will be between Quinton de Kock and Colin Ingram to open the batting, we will make that decision tonight," AB de Villiers confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.

"Not having Hashim is a big blow but I always like to look at the positive during times like this," he added.

"This is an opportunity for the player coming in to make a play for their country, every player in the squad is capable of winning games for South Africa."

The incoming batsman will have to find a way to manage Lasith Malinga, with the threatening seamer having taken a wicket in the first over in both matches.

"We have had a chat on how to face Malinga a few times before, so this is not the first time it has happened.

"We have to keep it simple and stick to the basics against him, everyone knows that the yorker is his danger ball, and the guys are aware of it."

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has been described as having a look and feel similar to that of Super Sport Park in Centurion, and has been tipped to offer some assistance to the Proteas’ pace attack.

The 35 000-seater stadium was built for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and boasts a large and fast outfield, one of the many factors the Proteas will need to adapt to.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE