Johannesburg - With Hashim Amla set to earn his 100th Test cap in the final Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday, his friends and fellow sports professionals have weighed in on the historic achievement.
Sonny Bill Williams
, All Blacks star and a personal friend of Amla shared a video on YouTube saying: "Massive congratulations on your 100th Test. You’re an inspiration to myself and many others, thousands, millions around the world... keep doing what you do 'bro' and keep leading the way. Love and respect to you and your family. Cheers.”
Imraan Khan
, a former schoolboy cricket and Dolphins teammate of Amla said: "I've played with him from a young age, going through age groups and schools into the pro ranks. I remember how excited we are when he made his first-class debut for Natal, and we were still in school. It has just been a great thrill watching "Ntshebe" grow through the years, from a chubby young boy into one of the greats of the game. Even more special has been seeing the man he has become. It's been a pleasure to share part of that journey with him."
Odwa Ndungane
, Sharks and Springbok winger: "In this day and age, people celebrate even 50 caps, because it is a massive achievement in its own right. Injury, loss of form and many other things are all challenge he's you have yo overcome. But, to see Hashim reach 100 Test matches is really special. When you look at the calibre of people that reach that milestone for their country, it tells you something. I've always admired his temperament at the crease, because it looks like nothing ever phases him."
David Miller
, teammate at Dolphins, Proteas: "I made my debut straight out of school ten years ago, in Maritzburg. Hashim was in that team, and he had already become a regular for the Proteas. I will never forget the way he welcomes me into the team, and made me feel welcome. The one word for me that stands out about Hash is consistent, on and off the field. In the ten years that I've known and played with him, he has never changed. He treated me the same way ten years ago as he did now, and that has just been fantastic to be around.”
Brett Proctor
, former Kingsmead stadium manager and Supersport broadcaster: “The best memory of Hash for me is very easy, and maybe a little bit selfish. It was the 2008/09 tour of Australia, and Channel Nine allowed me to be on the commentary for the final moments in the second Test at the MCG. Hashim hit the winning runs, to seal the series. It was not a significant innings, 18 not out or so, but to be able to be there for that was really special. I have watched Hashim and dealt with him from a young age, and his greatest attribute has always been his strength of character. There wer so many naysayers when he started, commenting about his bat going towards gully, and how he had been picked too soon. But he has always played like someone who realises that there is more to life than cricket, and it has been a pleasure to see him play for over a decade. I really hope that he gets over his latest blip, and makes 10000 Test runs, because he thoroughly deserves it. And if he can mark his 100th Test with a century, even better to silence the naysayers again.