Amla keen to retain South Africa captaincy despite batting woes

Hashim Amla is keen to retain the South Africa captaincy despite struggling with the bat in 2015.

Amla began his tenure in 2014 and led the team to wins over Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and West Indies, but a drawn series against Bangladesh and the 3-0 loss to India have taken the shine off his record.

The 32-year-old managed a combined total of 19 runs as the number one side in the Test rankings suffered a 241-run defeat in the series opener against England at Kingsmead on Wednesday, taking his total for 2015 to just 251 from eight innings – down from 700 the year prior.

When asked if he wanted to continue with the captaincy, Amla responded: “I definitely do.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and it’s just been disappointing not to get the runs. In the middle of a Test series like this the hunger to get runs on the board is getting more.

“I’ve been disappointed not to get the runs that I’ve wanted to.

“It started off well last year when I got some runs but not being able to maintain it has been disappointing.

“Certainly as captain you want to lead from the front. Hopefully I can turn it around in the next match, start leading from the front by getting the runs on the board so that the boys can follow.”

South Africa may be without Dale Steyn for the second Test in Cape Town on Saturday due to injury with pace bowler Hardus Viljoen reportedly on standby as a consequence.

Uncapped all-rounder Chris Morris and wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock were added to the squad on Wednesday, suggesting AB de Villiers will hand over the gloves at the weekend.