Amla 'more a servant than a leader'

New Test captain Hashim Amla is determined to draw on the experience of the senior members of South Africa's squad, ahead of next month's two-match series against Sri Lanka in Galle and Colombo.
New Test captain Hashim Amla is determined to draw on the experience of the senior members of South Africa's squad, ahead of next month's two-match series against Sri Lanka in Galle and Colombo.
Amla was named former skipper Graeme Smith's successor on Tuesday. Smith retired from international cricket earlier this year.
The uncapped Dane Piedt and Stiaan van Zyl, meanwhile, have received maiden call-ups. Fast bowler Kyle Abbott has been retained – and all-rounder Robin Peterson excluded.
"When Graeme decided to retire it was a surprise to us because he was still young. It was at that moment that I decided that, with the group of players we have, if the team wanted me, I would step forward as captain," said Amla.
"Hopefully, with all the experience I've gained, not forgetting the senior guys we have because it's always a collective effort, I'll do well. It's difficult to say what kind of captain I'll be.
"I'll certainly be picking people's brains. When you're in a leadership position you're more a servant than a leader. You should serve the people you're responsible for."
The 31-year-old, after Smith, is the country's fifth full-time Test captain since readmission to international cricket in 1991. The veteran Kepler Wessels, the late Hansie Cronje and stalwart all-rounder Shaun Pollock also led the team. Former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, the experienced Jacques Kallis and batsman Ashwell Prince held the role in temporary capacities.
"The guys who try and copy someone else don't make it generally. The way I try and approach my game is to see what works for me. I don't have any role-models for captain, I'll just try and bring what I can to the table," concluded Amla.
Latest
-
News
Middlesex relegated from Division One as Kent survive on dramatic final day
Middlesex fell just short of the victory they needed at Nottinghamshire to stay up instead of Kent.
-
India
England captain Jos Buttler believes India are favourites for World Cup
The last three editions of the Cricket World Cup – India in 2011, Australia in 2015 and England in 2019 – have been won by the host nation.
-
County Cricket
Surrey retain County Championship title after Essex batting collapse
The holders have been crowned champions for the 21st time.
-
County Cricket
Geoffrey Boycott: Everybody in Newcastle hates Mike Ashley amid Headingley links
The PA news agency understands the Frasers Group, where Ashley is chief executive, is one of the parties interested in purchasing Headingley.
-
County Cricket
Essex’s slim hopes of winning County Championship dented by Northamptonshire
Essex need at least 400 to have any chance of claiming top spot.
-
England
Matthew Mott: Jofra Archer ‘desperate to play but realistic’ ahead of World Cup
The 28-year-old is not expected to be ready to return to action until the tournament is close to a conclusion.
-
County Cricket
Umpire Sue Redfern makes history in County Championship match at Glamorgan
Redfern became the first woman to stand as an umpire in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales.
-
England
England’s summer ends in soggy fashion and prompts a call for innovation
The one-day international against Ireland at Bristol was abandoned.
-
England
England win ODI series against Ireland after play is abandoned at Bristol
Ben Duckett had scored a century and Phil Salt 61 off just 28 balls before rain stopped play.