The talented Zubayr Hamza is carefully navigating the pressure that comes with batting in third position for the Proteas in Test cricket.

Hamza fell for 39 and four in the first Test against England in Centurion – and five and 18 in the second in Cape Town.

New magazine issue: Why De Kock must bat at four

He is under increasing pressure to retain the No 3 berth, after the Knights’ Keegan Petersen was added to the squad prior to the second Test at Newlands.

‘It’s a tough position to bat in, but I’ve batted domestically in that position for the past couple of seasons and as much as I’m trying to make it my own, I’m also learning and adapting as soon as I can,’ said Hamza.

‘It’s the highest level, so there is always going to be a difference between where you’re coming from and where you are at the moment.

‘It’s just about backing your decision in the middle. If a ball comes at you, you can be stuck between defence and blocking out a day’s play, but usually that ball you’d end up hitting for four or six.’

The four-Test series is locked at 1-1. The Proteas won in Centurion, but lost in Cape Town. The third Test will start at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Thursday. The series decider will be played in Johannesburg later this month.

Photo: Gallo Images