Excited Hamza ready to go if selected

Standard Bank Proteas batsman, Zubayr Hamza, doesn’t want to look too far ahead, but admits the possibility of making his debut in the third Castle Lager Test match against Pakistan at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium is an exciting thought. Hamza was selected as the reserve batsman in the squad, and the suspension of Faf du Plessis has opened up an opportunity for the 23-year-old to make his first run at international level. Hamza has had a sterling run at franchise level over the last two years, and boasts 3648 runs in 52 first-class matches with an average of 49, including nine centuries. Although he is lacking in match time after missing out on the Mzansi Super League (MSL) and a round of CSA four-day matches since he has been with the squad, he remains confident about his preparation and form. The Rondebosch Boys High School graduate grew up looking up to stars like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla, but says he has been feeding off most of the players in the squad on what it takes to perform at international level. If selected, his personal brief will be to keep it simple and to rely on the formula that has brought him past success.If Hamza is the only debutant in the playing XI, he will be the 100th cap for South Africa since readmission.