Bangalore: Hashim Amla’s tough job has become tougher as Dale Steyn, his No.1 bowler, has been ruled out of the second Test against India, beginning here, on Saturday. But the South Africa captain is not losing all hope and is banking on AB de Villiers, who will be playing his 100th Test, to win them the match. 

Steyn was ruled out after he failed to recover fully from a groin injury suffered during the first Test in Mohali.
“Obviously losing Dale, the best bowler in the world, and Vernon, arguably the best all-rounder in the world, certainly changes the dynamics of the side,” Amla said at a media conference. 

Amla, however, is hopeful that Steyn would recover in time for the next Test, in Nagpur, beginning November 25.
“I am hopeful Steyn will recover well on time for the third Test in Nagpur,” he said.

Asked if South Africa face the risk of being distracted on the occasion of De Villiers’s hundredth Test, Amla said: “No it does not... Hopefully, he gets into the park tomorrow and wins the game for us… that will be ideal match for him and us,” Amla said.

“Having lost the previous match, obviously it is not difficult for us to focus on this match. It’s great to have something to celebrate, but in terms of taking our focus away, no I don’t think so,” he added.

“As a team, we all enjoy the fact that AB is playing his 100th game. As a South African, we know that this is an amazing feat. We have all celebrated the occasion,” he said.

South Africa have flown in Kyle Abbott as Philander’s replacement. Asked who would be replacing Steyn and Philander in playing XI, Amla said: “The guys who are going to be replacing them are quality cricketers. We are fortunate that we have great depth in our bowling. If you are going to win a Test series, the series is won with 15 players usually, not just 11. Although it’s early in the series, I still think we have a potent attack as back up.” 

Amidst all the injury woes, there was some good news for the South Africans too as JP Duminy passed the fitness test to be declared available for the match. 

Amla further said the Bangalore pitch doesn’t seem like Mohali due to the overcast conditions and moisture around.