Hashim.... the peaceful warrior

What an outstanding test match! What a stupendous victory in an atmospheric cauldron that literally had all on the edge of their seats until finality as unbridled spontaneity engulfed all but those who travelled far. As an entertainment spectacle it rarely gets any better and the theatre of sport received an always welcome shot in the arm of rampant passion and suspense. How riveting it was to witness the two top teams in the world rankings scrapping manfully until the last few permissible minutes after emotionally and physically draining days to decide who retains the coveted premier slot in five day world cricket.

Congratulations must go to both teams. Firstly to South Africa for the way they hit the ground running during that first test in Nagpur and decimated the much vaunted Indians at home after a traumatic week or so off the field of play that would have rung hollow to some. Team India can take a bow as well following their superlative rearguard effort this week to save the series after initially appearing very much on the back foot. There was no doubt the clinical precision and intensity of the visitors caught them off guard in the first test and to galvanise, regroup and deliver in such a short space of time is commendable.

I need to single out Hashim Amla.

What an extraordinary tour from a unique individual. His calmness and serenity is remarkable and it effortlessly transcends to all facets of his existence. When you meet this man he is always polite, untroubled and comfortable in his own skin. What a magnificent trait to have. Over the years his demeanor has not altered one bit and his behaviour is a faultless example of how sportsmen should act and exist in a fishbowl. Don’t you often tire of spoilt brats carrying on like pork chops? I guess we should not be surprised that his tranquility is transformed to the batting crease. He just seems to be in total control of his faculties and unflustered in the heat of battle. He is admittedly in the midst of a purple patch but more kudos to him for not letting that slip and continuing to hurt the opposition.

Here is the finest aspect regarding Hashim. I distinctly remember when he first arrived on the international scene he had commentators and analysts galore proclaiming loudly that his technique would never last in international company. They said his method defied all logic. They criticised his crooked back lift, his open blade flirt towards gully, his across the line manner and his suspect balance. All of these perceived flaws were due to severely inhibit any significant progress and his career was already being consigned by many to the less scrutinised first class level where imperfections are forgiven.

Such is the mental strength of Hashim that he calmly took all advice on board and then did a very important thing that was one of the first rules of coaching of yesteryear before cricketing robots became in vogue. He turned to only one or two trusted confidants, listened to their advice, and then had the fortitude to work out for himself what was going to be his chosen path of success. Instead of listening to a mountain of well meaning counsel and trying to appease all, he decided to sift through all the garbage and please himself. The end result is that Hashim Amla changed little. He rounded a rough edge or two but that was because he realised it needed to be done for betterment.

Basically Hashim’s technique now is very similar to how it was when he first attracted comment and condemnation.

South Africa can be thankful.