Proteas batsman Hashim Amla will be with national batting coach Dale Benkenstein in the hope of rediscovering his form ahead of the Cricket World Cup.
Amla who has struggled with his form lately was almost excluded from the World Cup squad but was backed by the management based on his pedigree and experience.
Amla scored 92 runs in 8 innings at the CSA T20 Challenge this year, with an average of 11.5 for the tournament. Amla released a statement saying he would not complete the T20 Challenge with the Cobras, but would look to regain his form ahead of the World Cup.
Linda Zondi, the CSA selection convener said it is purely a cricketing decision; “The manner in which you train for T20 is different to how you train for 50 over cricket,” Zondi said.
“He will be spending time with Dale Benkenstein and there is a program set up for him.
“It is a cricketing decision, at the end of the day. You train for a short period of time when you’re playing T20 cricket and this ensure that his preparation is not limited.”
Zondi acknowledged that fact that Amla’s form is worrying.
“Yes, it’s been a concern,” he said.
“We can’t say that it hasn’t been a concern, but the preparation is so different for the two formats so we have to back the decision.
“He wants to bat longer and spend more time with Benky to get equipped for 50 over cricket.”
South Africa play their first game at the Cricket World Cup on May 30 against England at the Oval.