South African batsman Jean-Paul Duminy says the return of star performer Hashim Amla will be a big bonus for South Africa in the third one-day international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
Amla, ranked second in Test batsmen rankings, left for home to attend the birth of his second child after the first of two Tests in the series, which ended 1-1.
He missed the first two one-days – won each by South Africa and Pakistan – before joining the squad on Sunday, despite the delay in the birth.
Duminy hoped Amla would give good starts to South Africa, who were shot out for 183 and 143 in the one-day matches.
“Hashim’s return is a bonus but there’s no guarantee that he will come and score runs. He’s probably given us the best starts in the ODI format – he’s the best in the world – so it’s great to have him back,” Duminy said, ahead of Wednesday’s match.
“There’s no pressure on him as he brings a lot of experience to the team and it’s always great to have him. Hopefully he can contribute to our batting performance.”
Besides Amla, the return of pace spearhead Dale Steyn will also bolster South African bowling. Steyn had left for home to rest after the second Test.
Duminy admitted facing Pakistani slow bowlers on spin-friendly pitches was a big challenge.
“It is arguably one of the best bowling attacks in one-day cricket at the moment,” he said.
“It’s just about making sure we have good gameplans in place and working in partnerships out there and knowing you are not alone.”
South Africa lost their first wicket for nought and seven in the two games, wickets that put them under pressure.
“When you’re losing wickets early upfront you’re always catching up with the game from a batting perspective. A lot of us including myself have got in, to 20s and 30s and got out,” said Duminy, who had scores of 20 and 25 in two matches.
“We’ve done the business in the past – its just about making sure we back ourselves to do it again.”
The fourth match will be played in Abu Dhabi on Friday, while the fifth and final will be held in Sharjah on November 11.
The two teams will also play two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on November 11 and 13.