Hashim Amla named as Lions' batting coach on three-year deal

Hashim Amla has taken up the role of batting coach for the Johannesburg-based Lions, a position he will hold for the next three years. This appointment comes as Amla joined forces with former South Africa coach Russell Domingo at the esteemed Wanderers.

He replaces JP Duminy, who has now moved to the national men's white-ball setup, while Domingo took over from Wandile Gwavu, now serving as the South African men's white-ball fielding coach.

It marks Amla's inaugural venture into coaching a provincial team in South Africa. Before this, he served as a batting consultant for MI Cape Town in the SA20 and later in the same capacity for the Cape Town Blitz during the now-defunct Mzansi Super League.

Making the transition to full-time coaching, Amla bids farewell to his playing days, having participated in two matches for the World Giants in the Masters Legends League earlier this year, officially retiring from all other forms of the game.

In a statement issued by the Lions on Wednesday, Amla expressed his profound joy at the prospect of working with Lions Cricket, acknowledging them as one of the country's leading Protea-producing teams.

"I am truly delighted to work with Lions Cricket. They are one of the largest Protea producing teams in the country, and to work with their players is an honour," Amla said in a statement issued by the Lions on Wednesday.

Amla's responsibilities commence with immediate effect, coinciding with South Africa's domestic teams engaging in pre-season training. However, the schedule for the 2023-24 season fixtures is yet to be announced.

The anticipation is that all eight division one teams will participate in seven first-class games, along with competing in the fifty-over one-day cup and a T20 competition. The Lions boast an illustrious history as one of South Africa's more successful franchises, securing five titles in the last four seasons.

In closing, Hashim Amla's appointment as the Lions' batting coach ushers in a new chapter in his cricketing journey as he endeavours to contribute knowledge and expertise to nurturing young talents and guiding the Lions to further triumphs.