Temba Bavuma's team has shown at Lord's the Proteas are still a force, says Hashim Amla
Image: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix
Hashim Amla hopes South Africa's appearance at the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 can reinvigorate a love of red-ball cricket in his homeland.
The Proteas have an opportunity to become Test world champions on Friday with Temba Bavuma's team needing two wickets before starting their fourth innings run chase.
Australia are currently 144/8 with an overall lead of 218 runs heading into Day 3 of this pulsating Test.
Amla was a key cog in a vintage Proteas generation, starring as part of the class of 2012 who sealed their status as the best Test team in the world at Lord's in a match which saw the batter etch his name on to the honours board for a second time.
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The current crop are looking to follow in those footsteps and Amla stressed the significance of seeing South Africa on this stage when it comes to reminding the world of the talent which exists in the country.
'South Africa have been a powerhouse in cricket for many years in all formats – not long ago we reached the final in the T20 (World Cup),' he said.
'We have had a rich heritage ever since we came back into international cricket. It is extremely important that South Africa are seen and can perform to a standard to be included among the top Test nations.
'We have the SA20 League, which has created a huge surge of interest among youngsters. The crowds have been packed, and to have a Test team doing well will hopefully create a resurgence of the love of Test cricket again.
'It is difficult because youngsters grow up, see sixes and fours and get attracted to the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket. But Test cricket offers other great virtues of discipline, patience, real deep values that it is very healthy to have and aspire to.
'Getting to the final of this competition makes us very proud and very happy. It shows South Africa are still a force in Test cricket and the world cricketing family.'
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Hashim Amla and Matthew Hayden bring out the mace at Lord's.#WTC25 #WTCFinal #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/onSpmkolV3 — Cricketangon (@cricketangon) June 11, 2025
Amla boasted an excellent record against Australia over his career, scoring five centuries against them – including a best of 196 in a 309-run win at the WACA in 2012.
He played 21 times apiece against Australia, India and England and hopes this generation of Proteas stars receive similar opportunities to test their mettle against the same opposition.
'Not long ago, we played Australia every two years, either home or away, that goes for England and India too," he said.
'We had fixtures which were always of high quality and that in itself helped the players develop their game.
'If you are playing against high quality opposition, you will naturally raise your game and you judge yourself against the best, so you are always improving.'
One Proteas star who has kicked on in recent years is captain Temba Bavuma, a regular source of runs on their route to the final.
Independent Media's Zaahier Adams will be at Lord's for the World Test Championship bringing you all the news, videos and podcasts. Picture: Independent Media
Image: Independent Media
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