Hashim Amla leaving for Kolpak

[Creag]

And to think just a few years ago, we had a top order of Smith, Gibbs, Amla, Kallis. How times change.

Good luck to him. I think this may be the end if his SA career. He's not a selfish man by any standards but he does have a young family to consider and I think he will do what's best for them.

Aye. That top order was like looking at the Great Wall of China. Balanced by a superb bowling line up. My how times have changed

No he can't. Kolpak means no more national team.

This ^ is my understanding. No matter how short its duration. UNless CSA are making exceptions.

So he'll be 36 come CWC2019. I wonder if he'll make himself available. Guys like Mike Hussey, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Murali showed you can be competitive well into your 30's so here's hoping he's still raking in the runs...

Yup. Fitness - body and mind - shows that some players can still do it late into their 30s. Saying this makes think of Hogg who was in his early 40s and supremely competitive with ball in hand. Heck! Even his fielding was athletic and committed.

 

[Pom_in_Pretoria]

Can't blame him. Makes financial sense. He gave his best for SA cricket and was one of our best batsmen of all time if you look at his stats. His form has been off the last while so I think its a good time to step down a rung, make some money, and then tackle the rest of his life.

Exactly...he knows he is past it from an international perspective and is looking to make quick bucks while he can.