Morkel vows to make Amla's life easier

New South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla can rest assured that when he leads the team against Sri Lanka in July, he will have the full backing of his senior players, who have vowed to make the transition as easy as possible.
New South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla can rest assured that when he leads the team against Sri Lanka in July, he will have the full backing of his senior players, who have vowed to make the transition as easy as possible.
Amla will take over from Graeme Smith, who retired after more than 10 years in the role, in Sri Lanka, after beating AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis to the job earlier this month, after a long process by the board.
Fast bowler Morne Morkel told <i>Times Media</i>: "We want to play well for Hashim to make his job a little bit easier. A leader doesn't have to talk. If a leader scores runs and does well, that's when people will follow him.
"Hashim ticks all those boxes. He bats in tough conditions and scores runs. When guys are bowling fast, he fronts up. Those are the signs of a quality leader.
"It's not all about words. It's also about fronting up, and that's what he does so well. Hashim has been leading in the back room while Graeme has been captain.
"Guys like him and AB (de Villiers) talk a lot in the dressing room and in team chats. But Hashim is wearing the captain's armband now, and whoever walks onto the field will back him."
Batting all-rounder JP Duminy agreed, saying he didn't anticipate too much a of a change behind the scenes, as the team environment was already a fairly open and relaxed one.
He said: "Small things will change, but we understand what we are trying to stand for so I don't think there will be many changes.
"What's been healthy over the last couple of years is that guys who have stepped into the national team are free to express themselves. That's a real strong point for us."
Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee downplayed Amla's seeming reluctance to take the job, saying: "There's a perception that Hashim is a reluctant leader but he's always been very methodical in his preparation.
"He doesn't leave much to chance, he's very principled, and he's been the leader in the environment without having the title."
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood backs ‘fighter’ Dan Lawrence to make step up to Test cricket
The Essex batsmen is in line for an England Test debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
-
News
Ravichandran Ashwin condemns alleged racial abuse of Mohammed Siraj by SCG fans
Play was halted on day four of the third Test between Australia and India while six spectators were escorted out of Sydney Cricket Ground by police.
-
News
Investigation launched after Indian players allegedly abused by crowd in Sydney
Play was held up while police and security guards escorted six people from Sydney Cricket Ground.
-
News
Jos Buttler determined to keep standards high with gloves and bat in Sri Lanka
The 30-year-old has Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow for competition in the England side.
-
News
England’s Dom Bess thinks pitch for Friday’s warm-up won’t be repeated in series
England finally took to the pitch in Hambantota for a low-key workout between Team Root and Team Buttler.
-
News
Proteas name Test squad for Pakistan tour
South Africa have named a 21-man touring party for the two-Test series in Pakistan.
-
News
Smith makes distinction between out of runs and out of form
Steve Smith put paid to the suggestion he was out of form with a fighting hundred against India.
-
News
England warm-up under way in Sri Lanka
The touring squad has returned a second round of clear Covid-19 tests following Moeen Ali’s positive result.
-
News
Jack Leach awaiting Covid vaccine news after ‘scary’ vulnerable classification
The England spinner takes medication for Crohn’s disease, leaving his immune system weakened.
-
News
Jonny Bairstow ready to tap into Jacques Kallis class during Sri Lanka tour
The England batsman is enthused about working with the Proteas great.