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Johannesburg - Playing successive series against Pakistan feels like déjà vu for the Proteas Hashim Amla said in Pretoria on Friday.
“It's been a competitive series, but it's been a bit like Groundhog Day where you wake up and play the same team all the time,” Amla said.
“Both teams are quite evenly matched. We managed to take the lead and cross over the line in the UAE, but in South Africa we've missed out.”
South Africa ran out 4-1 victors in the United Arab Emirates earlier this month, but had already lost the home one-day international series 2-0 with the third and final match in Centurion on Saturday.
The Proteas opener stopped short of saying his side were tired of playing the same opponents, but admitted the team already had one eye on the upcoming series against India.
“It will be welcome for everybody to play India when they arrive.”
Despite playing for pride in the final game of the series, Amla said the two losses would provide good learning experiences for the team.
“When you lose a series everybody says harsh words in their minds to themselves.
“There was a lot disappointment in the team, but you have to move on.
"The games have been so tight, but we just have to take the lessons from the games.
"One-day cricket is about adapting really quickly.”
Without the services of Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn on Saturday, Amla said it was the perfect opportunity for the periphery players in the side to step up.
“If you look at our bowling unit, even in the UAE, everyone has done well.
“Without Dale it's a loss as he's been outstanding and he'll be missed, but it will give the guys on the fringes a great opportunity.
"Wayne Parnell, Ryan McLaren and Vernon Philander -- these guys are also great batting options.”
Henry Davids would likely come in at number three in the batting lineup, a role he is slightly unfamiliar with as he opened for the Titans in the domestic game.
Amla was confident Davids would be up to the task.
“I think he'll be comfortable. I was chatting to him earlier and he said batting three is just like one ball away from opening.
“I think he'll be very happy at his home ground. He's very excited and we hope that he just kind of kicks on.
