'A true legend and a great human being' – tributes pour in for Hashim Amla
The prolific batsman scored over 18600 runs in a 15-year career, recording 55 centuries and 88 half-centuries in the process. The only South African to score a triple hundred in Test cricket, Amla was a part of the South African batting core, and finishes up as their second-highest Test run-scorer of all time. He also climbed to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Batting Rankings in both Tests and ODIs.
"I learnt many lessons during this incredible ride, made many friends and most importantly shared in the love of a brotherhood called #proteafire" - Hashim Amla pic.twitter.com/mV5kyJT8ht
— ICC (@ICC) August 8, 2019
He has made South Africa’s only Test triple century to date and has made the highest Test scores for his country against England, India and the West Indies and the highest against Australia in the post-unity period.#ThankYouHash#ProteaFire#AmlaRetires pic.twitter.com/YuogFjUQKg
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 8, 2019
Amla was also a prolific batsman in ODIs, where he was the fastest to every 1000-run landmark between 2000 and 7000.
His ODI career was equally successful as he was ranked among the best batsmen in this format for an extended period of time for much of that period having an average in excess of 50 and a strike rate of 100. #AmlaRetires #ThankYouHash #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/6tWQ1IVfmB
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 8, 2019
🔝 The most ODI hundreds by a South African
— ICC (@ICC) August 8, 2019
💯💯💯 The only Test triple hundred by a South African
🔟 One of 10 players to top the @MRFWorldwide Test & ODI Batting Rankings simultaneously
⚡ The fastest to 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 ODI runs
Thank you, @amlahash 👏 pic.twitter.com/JrkZWbp1PU
👏 Congratulations on a fantastic international career, Hashim Amla.
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) August 8, 2019
He reached the Honours Boards twice, scoring his first century at Lord's in 2008.#LoveLords
But, while his on-field performances were second to none, it was his dignified behaviour off the field that separated him from the rest.
The great #HashimAmla has surprised the world with his announcement to retire from all forms of cricket, what a legend & what a great human being & great brand ambassador of the game respect to you wish you best of luck ..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 8, 2019
Congratulations @amlahash on such a wonderful career. A True legend and a great human. Best Wishes & Prayers for the future.
— Saqlain Mushtaq (@Saqlain_Mushtaq) August 8, 2019
An end of an era - spectacular career and an amazing cricketer but an even better human being @amlahash - bhai wishing you the very best journey ahead InshAllah
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) August 8, 2019
Morals, respect, hard work, dedication , family man , team player , faith are the stats I will remember and tell kids about forever 🙌🏼 One of the very best to play this beautiful game 🏏 The silent WARRIOR @amlahash - love you bro 🙏🏼 look forward to that chai 😊you’re making ☕️
— Robin John Peterson (@robbie13flair) August 8, 2019
Shaun Pollock and Irfan Pathan reminisced about the first time they saw Amla bat...
Congratulations to Hashim Amla on a fantastic international career..what an amazing journey it has been since seeing you for the first time in the Kingsmead nets in the late 90’s... well done..respect..🏏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @amlahash
— Shaun Pollock (@7polly7) August 8, 2019
First time I played against @amlahash was in u-19 World Cup in New Zealand.showed the glimpse of his class by playing an outstanding inning against us,surely he finished his international career by being one of the greats of South African cricket.Happy #retirement brother #amla
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 8, 2019
... while Lisa Sthalekar pondered what a South African line-up without two of its all-time greats would look like.
Wow two modern greats of the game have now retired first Dale Steyn and now Hashim Amla. Throughly enjoyed what they were able to do on the field. Going to take me some time to get use to the new @OfficialCSA team!
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) August 8, 2019
Mark Boucher had only one word to say, but it was more or less an apt summation of the man and his career.
@amlahash respect! No words to describe. #Legend
— Mark Boucher (@markb46) August 8, 2019