Amla find positives despite Test series defeat

Hashim Amla was able to find positives from South Africa’s Test series with India, despite his side falling to a 3-0 defeat.

After being bowled out for 143 in Delhi on Monday, the Proteas’ first away series defeat in the longer form of cricket for nine years was complete, putting their place at the top of the International Cricket Council rankings under threat.

The tourists struggled to adapt to spin-friendly wickets throughout the four-match series, their batsmen only scoring more than 200 on one occasion.

That proved South Africa’s downfall as, although their bowlers performed better, India cruised to an impressive triumph under Virat Kohli’s leadership.

“I think there are quite a few positives we can take,” said Amla. “Our bowling has been exceptional on this tour, for me it’s been basically the shining light.

“To see Morne [Morkel] lead the attack in the absence of Dale [Steyn] and Vern [Vernon Philander] was exceptional.

“For the time we’ve been on the sub-continent, he bowled some of the best spells of fast bowling that I’ve seen, so all credit to him.

“The way Abbo [Kyle Abbott] came in and got a five-for on his opportunity, KG [Kagiso Rabada] bowled well when he did play, our spinners did the job when they did play, so I’m exceptionally happy with the way our bowling responded in these conditions.

“For me, that’s a great positive going into the England series.”