An elegant, stroke-filled player blessed with the temperament to make the most of his talent, Hashim Amla is the first South African of Indian descent to reach the national squad. His grandparents made the journey from India to Surat in Gujarat many years ago, and he shares the same penchant for wristy leg-side flicks which ooze off his bat. His elevation to the South Africa side was a poorly kept secret after he reeled off four centuries in his first eight innings of the 2004-05 season, after being appointed captain of the Dolphins (formerly Natal) at the tender age of 21. His older brother by four years, Ahmed, made his first-class debut two seasons before Hashim, but there is little doubt that the younger Amla is the better player. He is also a devout Muslim whose requests to have logos promoting alcohol removed from his playing gear have been successful so far. Amla toured New Zealand with the South African Under-19 team in 2000-01, he captained South Africa at the 2002 Under-19 World Cup, and after starring for the A team, made his Test debut against India in 2004-05. He was not an instant success, with serious questions emerging about his technique as he mustered 36 runs in four innings against England later that season. When he was handed a second chance he made it count with 149 against New Zealand at Cape Town, helping guide South Africa to a draw. He remained a consistent performer, if not as prolific as South Africa would like, with fifties against Pakistan in 2007, but saved his best for the following tour to India where he racked up 307 runs in the three Tests. It included a majestic 159 in Chennai, his second score of 150 or more. A quiet man, there is no doubting his hunger.

He remains a candidate to become South Africa's second non-white Test captain after Ashwell Prince, and possesses the most impressive beard in all the game.
Will Luke June 2008

• Contracted players available for first-class competition (Sep 25, 2008)
  
• Whitewash looms as England target second spot (Sep 2, 2008)
  
• Never say die (Aug 12, 2008)
  
• Amla sparkles on shortened day (Aug 9, 2008)
  
• Amla seeks to dispel the doubts (Aug 9, 2008)
  

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Aug 31, 2008 Hashim Amla square-cuts during his sublime 34 © Getty Images

Aug 31, 2008 Hashim Amla slices past gully © AFP

Aug 28, 2008 Hashim Amla takes aim at the stumps © Getty Images

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