Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener has insisted that batsman Hashim Amla be named in the squad for the World Cup in the United Kingdom later this year.

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

South Africa’s 15-man squad for the global showpiece in England and Wales will be named on Thursday. Amla’s inclusion remains in the balance.

‘It’s simple, he has to go,” Klusener told Netwerk24.

‘He has played there and is familiar with the conditions in England.’

Klusener effectively echoed former opening batsman and erstwhile Cricket South Africa selection convenor Andrew Hudson.

‘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 TimesLIVE.

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. 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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