Bad memories of last summer’s cricket struggles have Hashim Amla determined that South Africa show no mercy to the struggling Australians.
Amla wants the tourists to complete a 3-0 series whitewash next week at the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval.
They will prepare for the match with a one dayer against a Victorian XI on Saturday at the MCG, using the pink ball under lights.
Earlier this year, South Africa suffered a 2-1 home Test series loss to England.
“For us it’s very important, we’ve come here on a mission,” Amla said on Friday.
“Part of the mission has been accomplished, which is wonderful, but 3-0 sounds better than 2-0 or 2-1 – so it’s a big moment for us.
“It means a lot … we had difficult times last summer and no-one is taking it for granted.
“When you go through difficult times, you appreciate the good times.”
Amla said it was crucial that South Africa show the Australians no mercy, but added he took no particular pleasure in the home team’s dire circumstances.
“You can’t take your foot off the gas and you can’t take things for granted,” he said.
“I get a lot of joy, enjoying my teammates, the position we are in.
“I take no gratification from the difficulties of others, but as a team, we are really happy and obviously glad that we’re 2-0 up.
“But the series is not done in our minds – we have lots to achieve.”
The MCG match was originally scheduled over two days, but Amla said it was shortened to give their bowlers more time to recover from this week’s resounding second Test win in Hobart.
He said it was important that their batsmen in particular spend as much time as possible facing the pink ball.
“Of course, the main reason is (Adelaide) is a day-night Test match, something that’s very new and exciting for us,” he said.
“For us to bat in those conditions will hopefully be hugely beneficial.”
“I don’t know you would like to be in the nets facing our bowlers at the moment.
“It’s been a tough ordeal … maybe with the pink ball, if it does move around a little more in the evenings, it’s going to be a lot harder.
Amrit
Roar Guru
Well there's no denying that the snarky Aussie media hyped on this report; Du Plessis did very well-withstanding the onslaught from the media with a poker face. Just b/c Amla and the rest came out and openly criticized, it made the Australian media look biased and perverted.
KG
Guest
That's ridiculous Ronan, there was enough media attention from the Aussie media way before amla or steyn said anything. I'm actually thinking the Aussie media were looking for something to mask their embarrassing defeats. The timing of the video is suspicious, Cameron white said he can't say he has never done such before. why wasnt all this revealed than? Cameron white can't be the only cricketer who knew about this in Australia.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Whatever the outcome of the ICC investigation there's no doubt the South Africans have done themselves no favours with their behaviour in response to the questions about Faf's actions. Amla, Rabada and Steyn have all openly ridiculed the ICC investigation and have also implied the Australians are to blame for the situation. This has stoked the flames of the story. If instead they'd said nothing (or made measured comments) and just let the ICC investigate, I reckon there'd have been half the amount of media reports we've seen so far.
jameswm
Roar Guru
That was a poor press conference by Amla. Does he not have eyes? Du Plessis clearly stuck his finger in his mounth, touched the lolly and rubbed it on the ball, and more than once. You can't deny this, unless you intend denying reality. And the SAffas need to realise it is NOT Australia doing this. It's the ICC. There is no evidence of any complaint from the Aussies. Suggesting otherwise is paranoia. It was very, very silly from Faf. What was he thinking?