Hashim Amla is hoping to play his part in a winning start for Derbyshire Falcons, as they begin their NatWest T20 Blast campaign against Yorkshire Falcons at Headingley tonight; 7pm start.
Amla will be available for three NatWest T20 Blast matches and provides a wealth of experience having played over 100 matches in this format in his career, hitting over 2,500 runs in the process.
The 32-year-old is set to make his T20 debut for Derbyshire tonight, and is looking to make his mark straight away but he says he won’t necessarily have to adapt his classy and composed approach at the crease.
“Team confidence comes with winning and playing good cricket, so if I can play a part in getting them off to a good start I will be happy,” said Amla.
“There are times in the T20 game where you have to play a lot more high-risk shots but around the world you see cricketers who just play good shots and have been very successful in T20 cricket.
“It’s not all about slogging and hitting across the line and for guys like me it’s about hitting good shots and finding the gaps to keep the scoreboard ticking.
“A lot depends on the wicket, sometimes the wicket dictates it’s not all about fours and sixes. If it’s slow and it’s turning you have to be a lot more aware of playing for two’s and singles.”
Despite enjoying success in all three formats in an international career than has already spanned for over a decade, Amla revealed he is still working hard at his game.
“T20 is it’s still a relatively new game and everyone is still learning.
“But that doesn’t just apply to T20, it’s the same for Test and one-day cricket, certainly there’s no doubt.
“I’ve always believed you learn until the day you stop playing so it’s about trying to keep an open mind and gain as much experience as you can throughout the years.”
“I’ve enjoyed it a lot more in the last three years and I’ve been fortunate enough to get some runs so the average has gone up a bit.
“Hopefully I can contribute to us getting off to a positive start in the three games I have.”
Derbyshire begin their new NatWest T20 Blast campaign against Yorkshire Vikings at Headingley on Friday 15 May. The Falcons host their first home NatWest T20 Blast fixture on Friday 29 May (7pm start) against Lancashire Lightning at The 3aaa County Ground.
To buy your NatWest T20 Blast tickets, please call 0871 350 1870 or CLICK HERE.
