Three members of the Proteas Test squad have been named among the Wisden Almanack’s Five Cricketers of the Year in the 150th edition of the publication which will be released on Thursday.
Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn were all congratulated by Cricket South Africa (CSA) for their prestigious achievement.
“What a wonderful way for a South African celebration of the 150th edition of this famous publication – known affectionately as the ‘cricketer’s bible’,” CSA acting CEO Naasei Appiah said on Wednesday.
“It has truly been a phenomenal year for our Proteas and they have been and will continue to be an inspiration to the nation.”
West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels and South African-born England opening batsman Nicholas Compton were the other cricketers named in Wisden’s Five.
This is the third time that SA has produced three of the five Cricketers of the Year – an honour which can only be given to an individual once in their career.
Graeme and Peter Pollock and Colin Bland were included in 1966, while Dale Benkenstein, Mark Boucher and Neil McKenzie were named in 2009.
“Hashim Amla was the batting sensation of the summer, gracefully compiling South Africa’s first Test triple-century, and top-scoring in eight international innings out of 11,” said Wisden editor Lawrence Booth.
“Dale Steyn cemented his status as the world’s most frightening fast bowler, blowing England away on the final afternoon at The Oval, then undermining them in the third Test at Lord’s.”
Booth said the only surprise about the selection of veteran all-rounder Kallis was that he had not been chosen earlier.
“At The Oval, he made 182 and balanced South Africa’s attack superbly.
“His all-round excellence was a crucial difference between the sides.”
