Zubayr Hamza on Proteas Test recall after two years away

Zubayr Hamza is back in the Proteas Test squad after two years out, earning a place for the coming series against Bangladesh. The 31-year-old spoke about the call-up in an interview with IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams, published by IOL on Monday.

Hamza said he was not expecting the news. He was concentrating on playing T20 cricket for the Lions when national coach Shukri Conrad phoned him last week. He called the selection “a pleasant surprise” and said he was very happy to get the call.

A more settled approach

Hamza made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2019 and has had a career of highs and lows since. He believes age has given him a calmer outlook. Having been through the ups and downs, the expectations and the pressure, he said he is content wherever he is needed and simply wants to perform as consistently as possible.

Comparing himself with the player who faced England in 2020, he said he had big goals then but did not fully grasp what Test cricket could demand. He still has plenty he wants to achieve, and he is keen to learn from the current group of players.

Hamza said he watched most of the recent Test series against Australia from his couch and enjoyed it, and he was glad the Proteas won. He noted that the team are now the world Test champions and the No 1-ranked Test side. In his view, any player who does not want to be part of that success should question why they play the game.

Lessons from Amla and Conrad

At the Lions, Hamza has regular access to Proteas great Hashim Amla, whom he described as an idol for many players of his generation. Alongside technical work in the nets, he values talking to Amla about the mental side of the sport. He said he recently asked Amla how he handled being dropped and then fighting his way back. Hamza said that short chat mattered more to him than a net session.

On Conrad, Hamza pointed to “raw honesty” as the coach’s defining trait. He said he respects the blunt way Conrad gives his opinion, and he values an open-door relationship that runs both ways, which he believes builds trust in the dressing room.

The No 3 question

Hamza was asked whether he sees himself at No 3, a position that has been hard for the Proteas to settle in recent times. He said the team looks settled and that Conrad has a clear plan. Wherever the gap appears, he is happy to try it.

He acknowledged the high expectations that come with the spot, but said putting them aside while batting could help. He added that many players across the country are performing and hoping for a chance. If he gets one, he hopes to score runs.

The interview did not say whether Hamza will play in the Bangladesh series or where he will bat, as that is for the team management to decide.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.