Separated by Amla

India eventually won the Kolkata match to emerge at the top of the Test rankings,but its Hashim Amla who is keeping the statisticians busy. With his three centuries in three innings,with just one dismissal,he is now amongst South African greats. Yet,the numbers do not quite convey the heroism that informed Amlas series,with his 253 (not out) at Nagpur taking South Africa to an innings victory,and his second innings 123 (non out) at Kolkata almost proving to be the difference between an innings loss and a series-saving draw. Great Test batsmen separate themselves by temperament,and Amla stands apart by his thoughtful batting.

Eden Gardens often sets personal standards for cricketers. Harbhajan Singh,who got the last South African wicket within minutes of the scheduled close of play,should know. Nine years ago,that classic Test against Australia established him in the Indian team,averting his plan B of finding another career. Things had not been so good for him of late,and his post-match press conference was predictably charged with claims of vindication.

Amlas vindication is of another order,however. The first Indian origin cricketer in the South African team,he has had to counter charges of being over-benefited by a quota. Early disappointments were met the way he approaches his batting,by reaching deep into his powers of concentration and playing late. Now,along with cricketers like Makhaya Ntini,he is a crucial part of the transformation of South African cricket,one in which sport and its spectators reflect ever more the diversity of the nation.