Following the news of Hashim Amla’s retirement from all forms of cricket, the Surrey squad were quick to pay homage to a modern day great of the game.
Surrey captain Rory Burns described Amla as “a great player, one of the best of a generation”, whilst also outlining that Amla was a “constant source of counsel”.
Burns said: “He thinks very differently about the game sometimes – that’s a good thing because he has different perspective.
“He was very relaxed human being and a great bloke to have around the dressing room. I know a lot of the batters got a lot out of him. A great player, one of the best of a generation and the world’s best mid-on!”
On Amla’s retirement, South African born Conor McKerr emotionally said: “I feel a sense of pride. He was a South African great and a great of the game. So, there is no sadness (on retirement), purely pride – so congratulations to him.”
Hashim Amla’s demeanour around the dressing room had a lasting impact on both the Surrey squad and the coaching staff.
“By the time he was at Surrey he was a great of the game. The influence he brought – not only to the batters, but the whole changing room was just beautiful,” McKerr added.
“He was calm, kind, caring and a leader throughout,” said the Surrey fast bowler.
Surrey and England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes added: “The calming influence he had on the dressing room and the wisdom he imparted on us and how much we could learn from him was really invaluable.”
“I know a lot of the batters got a lot out of him, said Rory Burns. “A great player, one of the best of a generation and the world’s best mid-on!”
Surrey Physiotherapist Alex Tysoe struck up a close working relationship with Hashim Amla from his first stints at the club in 2013 and 2014.
Tysoe said: “Hash was brilliant from a team perspective. But, what Hash brought was a trait that you see from some of the great sportsman consistently.
“He was very level-headed and consistent in his approach to cricket. That created a lot of calmness around him but also created an environment where people could always approach him.
“On a personal note, I’ll always remember his very infectious laugh and subtle dry sense of humour. He was just great to be around.”
Been very lucky to play and spend time with this man over the last 3 seasons.
An incredible player and an even better man. 🙌🏻@amlahash https://t.co/DK13NmG4lh
— Will Jacks (@Wjacks9) January 18, 2023
On Amla’s retirement, South African born Conor McKerr emotionally said: “I feel a sense of pride. I grew up idolising the whole South Africa team and he was a huge part of that. A South African great and a great of the game. So, there is no sadness, purely pride – so congratulations to him.”
“By the time he was at Surrey he was a great of the game. The influence he brought – not only to the batters, but the whole changing room was just beautiful,” McKerr added.
“He was calm, kind, caring and a leader throughout,” said the Surrey fast bowler.
South African compatriot Dan Moriarty said: “I’m going to miss him a lot. He’s had a massive impact at Surrey and a phenomenal career.”
“He really helped me with my game as a spinner, bowling to him and having him help me with field settings was brilliant.”
Hashim Amla’s incredible 311 not out at The Kia Oval in July 2012 was seen as an era defining innings as The Proteas stormed to the number one Test team in the world in dominating fashion over England.
On reaching 300, Amla became the first South African to reach a triple-century.
Conor McKerr said: “Just the grit and determination to bat that long was truly inspiring.”
Ryan Patel added: “To see that (300) when he was world number one Test batter was class”
Amla’s presence at the crease was encapsulated in his match-saving 37 from 278 balls.
Opening batter Ryan Patel said:“My favourite partnership was with Hashim at Hampshire last year when we were trying to bat for the draw.
“He batted for the whole day and saved the game for us.
“Batting for over a session with him and seeing how he goes about things and seeing he was a real calming influence at the other end. You look back on it and say ‘you batted with Hashim Amla’, it’s quite amazing to say.”
Club physiotherapist Alex Tysoe added: “We were behind the game. He batted through great adversity in difficult conditions. He knew he had to keep going.”
“That was something that the side really kicked on from.
“It showed many of the younger players that it does sometimes take a monumental effort. It seemed to be a catalyst for an upward trajectory for the club from a cricket point of view.”
Other members of the Surrey men’s squad poured their praise for the great Hashim Amla.
Kemar Roach said on Instagram that it “was an absolute pleasure, legend!”
Spin bowler Amar Virdi also added on Instagram: “The Man. The Myth. The Legend. Thank you!”
Wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith further added: “An honour to play with the great man”.
A privilege to watch this man bat…graceful, calm and a run machine ..and provided me with the third greatest day of my life 😊🏏🏏🏏 https://t.co/VwYSOQt7u0
— Mark Church (@backandacross) January 18, 2023
From everyone at Surrey County Cricket Club, we thank Hashim Amla for his wonderful service to the game of cricket and our club.
