Former Proteas batsmen Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla are among the new seven inductees added to the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.
The ICC announced the seven new additions on Monday, with a large group of former greats added as the latest inductees, including former India captain MS Dhoni.
ICC Chair Jay Shah welcomed the new members to the Hall of Fame at a gala event at Abbey Road Studios in London.
“Through the ICC Hall of Fame, we pay tribute to the finest players the game has seen, individuals whose remarkable careers have shaped cricket’s legacy and inspired generations,” Shah said.
The ICC had this to say about Smith and Amla.
Graeme Smith
117 Tests – 9,265 runs at an average of 48.25, 8 wickets
197 ODIs – 6,989 runs at an average of 37.98, 18 wickets
33 T20Is – 982 runs at an average of 31.67
A superb opening batter and arguably an even better captain, Graeme Smith is a welcome addition to the ICC Hall of Fame.
Smith forged a great career as a tough and uncompromising top-order batter and was thrust into the captaincy role he relished at the young age of 22.
He excelled in this position in what was a high-class South African side and hit new heights as a batter while captaining the team.
Smith felt great pride in receiving induction into the Hall of Fame.
“It feels amazing to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame alongside some legendary cricketers, all of whom have made significant contributions to the game in their own way,” he said.
“This is also a proud moment for South Africa, as two of us have got recognition this year.”
Hashim Amla
124 Tests – 9,282 runs at an average of 46.64
181 ODIs – 8,113 runs at an average of 49.46
44 T20Is – 1,277 runs at an average of 33.60
A calm and composed top-order batter, South Africa’s steady head Hashim Amla is a well deserved member of the ICC Hall of Fame.
Amla’s overall record was top class in Test cricket and perhaps even more outstanding in the 50-over format as the underrated right-hander scored bulk runs against every opposition and in all conditions.
With a superb cover drive and a trademark leg-side flick, Amla was a mode of consistency and a reliable member of a powerful South African side that scaled the heights to become the No.1 ranked Test team during his long and distinguished career.
Amla dominated bowling attacks for much of his 15-year international career, becoming the first South African to score a triple century when he hit an unbeaten 311* against England in 2012 when he was at the top of his game.
A total of 55 international centuries shows exactly how good Amla was and the South African great is a welcome inductee into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The South African said it was a great honour to receive the recognition alongside former teammate Graeme Smith.
“It is an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, especially alongside Graeme,” Amla said.
“The Hall of Fame includes some of the most celebrated players in the history of cricket, all of whom have big achievements. Such recognition feels surreal, and I am really thankful.”
