Amla: There are no freebies in Test cricket
South Africa captain Hashim Amla wants the Proteas to end their tour to India with a win in the fourth and final Test, starting in Delhi on Thursday, even though the series has already been lost.
The Proteas, who beat the hosts two-nil in the three T20s and won the five-match ODI series three-two, have come unstuck in the longest format on turning pitches.
The tourists lost the first Test in Mohali by 108 runs and also came second best in the third game of the series in Nagpur, by 124 runs, while the second match in Bangalore was drawn after four days was rained out.
South Africa have an important Test series against England at home to look forward to, starting on Boxing Day, and Amla is keen for the Proteas to take momentum those games.
Amla said: "We have the England series coming up very close, so it is very important for us to get back to the winning ways. Every Test match is very important; there are no freebies in Test cricket.
"Every match you play for your country, you want to win it. It is very important for us to take it to two-one and salvage some pride in the series.
"We had a successful T20I and ODI series and it would be nice to cap off the tour with a win in the final Test. The team's preparation has been very good.
"Whatever happened in the last match (in Nagpur) will not leave any tattoos on the team. It was a difficult Test match, for India as well as for us. Going into this match, we have tried to prepare as best as we can."
Latest
-
NewsLancashire slip to first defeat of Blast season against Birmingham
The Lightning lost their last seven wickets for 36 runs in 35 balls as they were bowled out for just 98.
-
NewsEngland will not alter aggressive approach during Ashes – Brendon McCullum
England face Ireland before their build-up to the Ashes opener will contain days off, training and ‘quality time’.
-
NewsTom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
NewsJames Anderson and Ollie Robinson should be fit for Ashes – Brendon McCullum
The England seamers will miss the one-off Test against Ireland, as expected, but should be fit for the Ashes opener.
-
NewsICC chief Wasim Khan accepts Tests and franchise leagues must learn to coexist
Jason Roy last week cancelled his England incremental contract to play in Major League Cricket.
-
T20 BlastTom Banton inspires Somerset to third win from three at start of Blast campaign
Glamorgan lost regular wickets and were all out for 153 in 19.4 overs.
-
County CricketHas ‘Bazball’ taken hold in county cricket? What the numbers tell us
Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes are keen to see their England side’s aggressive approach replicated in the domestic game.
-
EnglandOpening batter Ben Duckett backed to thrive long-term in second England chance
Since his recall late last year, Duckett has been the model opening batter for the regime under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
-
Women's CricketAlex Hartley: Taking indefinite break from cricket was ‘hardest decision’ ever
Hartley announced on her BBC No Balls Podcast on Friday that she had been “struggling mentally” for several months.
-
EnglandEngland will keep embracing risks during Ashes despite ‘blip’ – Daryl Mitchell
England have enjoyed some rousing successes since Ben Stokes and Kiwi favourite Brendon McCullum took over the Test team.