Hashim Amla says the Proteas haven’t been able to play their brand of cricket since he has taken over the captaincy, but he’s pleased with how the team has adapted to unfavourable conditions.

After completing a historic 1-0 Test series triumph in Sri Lanka, the South African team would have been forgiven for expecting more familiar conditions when they visited their northern neighbours for a single Test match. However, what they were greeted by in Zimbabwe was a pitch every bit as slow and conducive to spin bowling as what they had encountered on their tour of the Subcontinent.

South Africa, who sit at the summit of the ICC Test rankings, were expected to comfortably beat a Zimbabwe team who currently languish in ninth position. Amla, though, was pleased to notch up another victory, especially by such a commanding margin. The Proteas won by nine wickets and with a full day to spare.

‘I’m very happy to have won in four days on this wicket,’ said the skipper.

The style of play employed by the Proteas, which saw them grind out the victory, came under scrutiny, but Amla was very pleased with his batsmen. He also had a special mention for Dane Piedt, the Cobras off-spinner who took eight wickets on debut.

‘The way we batted was most important. To get a lead on this type of wicket allowed us to hold the game for a long period of time.

‘The pitch turned a lot, but he [Piedt] bowled brilliantly.’

Although the results have gone according to plan under Amla’s leadership, he is looking forward to playing on wickets which are more conducive to an attacking brand of cricket.

‘We haven’t been able to play the kind of cricket we normally play, given the conditions.’

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