“We know a big knock from him is round the corner”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa head coach Russell Domingo has said that he is not worried about opener Hashim Amla’s form with the bat.

Amla only scored 89 runs at a dismal average 17.80 in the five-match ODI series against India and failed to have an impact in the warm-up match against the Indian Board President’s XI as he made one run.

However, Domingo has backed the 32-year-old to bounce back during the four-Test series, which gets underway on November 5 in Mohali.

“Amla is a quality player. We know a big knock from him is round the corner. He’s batting well in the nets,” Domingo told reporters.

Meanwhile, Domingo lauded batsman AB de Villiers for his stellar form prior to the Test series as he scored 358 runs, which included three centuries, at an impressive average of 89.50 in the ODI series against India. De Villiers then proceeded to make his fourth century of the tour against the Indian Board President’s XI.

“AB (de Villiers) last played a Test match in January against the West Indies and missed the Bangladesh tour. That’s why he was leaving a few balls (without attacking them),” Domingo said.

In regards to all-rounder Jean Paul (JP) Duminy, who sustained a hand injury during the third ODI in Rajkot, Domingo hinted that he may miss the first Test as he will only get his stitches removed next week.

“The stitches would be removed next week, but the hand would be a bit tender,” he said.