‘Hottest conditions I’ve ever played in’

Friday March 28, 01:14 AM

Chennai, March 27: India holds a special place in South African batsman Hashim Amla’s heart. Not only did he make his Test debut here, but Amla also has an Indian connection. The 24-year-old, whose grandparents migrated from Surat, was the first player of Indian origin to make it to the South African squad.

Amla reached his fourth Test hundred on the second day of the first Test against India here to power South Africa past the 500-run mark. The elegant batsman attributed his good knock to the flat Chepauk wicket. "It’s a momentous occasion for me. Scoring a Test century away from home is always special and I will rate this innings as one of my best.

"The credit must go to the wicket, which didn’t help the Indian spinners. I made optimum use of it and really enjoyed the challenge of playing under the scorching sun. The conditions are the hottest I have ever played in," said Amla, who started his Test career in Kolkata three years ago.

The devout Muslim said their bowlers has a lot of work to do on Day Three. "We are capable of taking 10 wickets in a day. However, it is not going to be easy to trouble Indian batsmen on a wicket like this. I am sure the pitch will turn after day three and we can expect a lot of bounce as well. The last two days will be very crucial," added Amla.

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