Cricket: Amla delighted with batsmen’s return to form

South Africa outplay Australia in 2nd ODI to level series.

PORT ELIZABETH:

South Africa captain Hashim Amla was a relieved man after his batsmen signalled a return to form as the hosts defeated Australia by 80 runs in the second One-Day International (ODI) to level the series.

Jacques Kallis (76), Graeme Smith (57), David Miller (59) and JP Duminy (56) all contributed in a convincing batting performance as South Africa reached 303 for six.

“I’m very satisfied and this is the kind of performance we’re used to as a team,” said Amla. “The batsmen did really well, setting up a massive score. I didn’t think it was a 300 pitch –probably more a 250-par wicket – but big partnerships by the batsmen set it up.”

Amla admitted the team had produced erratic performances at the start of Australia’s tour. After a six-month layoff, however, they appeared to have shaken off the rustiness.

“We’re still finding our feet in a lot of ways, but we’ve come a long way. This is the way we’ve played cricket over the last couple of years, and it’s taken us a while to get back there.”

Amla happy with Smith

The captain was also happy at Smith finally making a valuable contribution. “Everyone knows him, the amount of work he puts in and the desire he has. He played really well and had a good partner with him. Jacques has a wealth of experience and carried him through in those first few overs.”

‘We were outplayed’

Meanwhile, Australia captain Michael Clarke admitted that South Africa were the superior side in the contest.

“We were outplayed,” he said. “They showed us how to bat on a slow pitch and they executed well with the ball.”

Australia’s run chase got off to a bad start when Ricky Ponting and Clarke were out cheaply but David Warner (74) and Michael Hussey (37) gave the tourists some hope with a third wicket stand of 71. Morkel bowled with pace and accuracy to take four for 22 as Australia were bowled out for 223 in reply.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 25^th, 2011.