Former opening batsman and erstwhile Cricket South Africa selection convenor Andrew Hudson has stated that the veteran Hashim Amla must be selected for South Africa’s squad for the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdom.

Amla has copped plenty of criticism lately – and recently returned to competitive cricket with the Cape Cobras after a leave of absence to be with his ill father.

Whether he will be named in the Proteas’ 15 for the global showpiece in England and Wales later this year remains in the balance.

‘He knows English conditions very well and I’d give him a chance ahead of a youngster who maybe hasn’t been there much before,’ Hudson was quoted as saying by Times LIVE.

The 36-year-old Amla averages 56.73 in ODI cricket in England. That number is almost a full seven runs more than his career aggregate of 49.74. His prowess in English conditions was particularly evident during a fine century against Sri Lanka in London during the Champions Trophy two years ago.

Hudson was replaced by current selection convenor Linda Zondi four years ago. Hudson also played 89 ODIs between 1992 and 1998 – and was part of the Proteas first World Cup squad.

South Africa will contest England in the opening fixture of the 2019 World Cup at The Oval in London on 30 May.

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