Hashim Amla retires: Fans bid 'adieu to one of the modern-day greats'

Hashim Amla announced his retirement from international cricket, just days after fast bowler Dale Steyn said he was quitting Tests. Amla, 36, said he was retiring from all international cricket after a 15-year career during which he hit 55 centuries in 349 matches across all formats. He followed record-breaking fast bowler Steyn who on Monday said he was retiring from Test cricket.

Fans thank Amla for the wonderful memories

The fans came forward to thank the veteran Proteas batsman on an illustrious career.  Here are some of the tweets.

A remarkable Test and ODI career 

Initially regarded as a Test specialist, Amla only made his one-day international debut in 2008 but soon proved that classic stroke play, mainly as an opening batsman, was as effective as power-hitting in the limited-overs game.

When he was at the peak of his career, between 2010 and 2016, he had an average of above 50 in both Tests and one-day internationals, while maintaining a scoring strike rate of better than 90 runs per 100 balls in one-day games.

READ: Hashim Amla Retires: Only South African To Score Triple Test Ton Ends International Cricket Career, Thanks Fans

In recent years, though, Amla's form dropped off and he struggled at the recent World Cup in England and Wales. His last Test century was in October 2017 and he made only two one-day international hundreds after that date.

Hashim Amla the 'Captain'

Amla captained South Africa in 14 Test matches between 2014 and 2015/16 but seldom appeared entirely comfortable in the role.

His captaincy career started promisingly with three series wins, including one in Sri Lanka, but after a difficult tour of India in which South Africa lost three of four Tests, he resigned as captain midway through a home series against England when South Africa were 1-0 down after two matches.

Amla said he would remain available for domestic cricket as well as the second edition of the Mzansi Super League Twenty20 competition, which is due to start in November. 

READ: Hashim Amla Retires: Sachin Tendulkar Hails His Service To South Africa, Calls Him An Inspiration For The Youth