Zubayr Hamza remains positive despite tough international season

A tough international season has not downed the confidence of young Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza.

Having shown glimpses of his potential at the highest level against Pakistan and India, runs soon dried up for the 24-year-old in the recent Test series against the touring England side.

This resulted in him being dropped for the final match at The Wanderers, which South Africa went on to lose by a considerable margin.

Confidence still high for Zubayr Hamza

While being discarded from the national setup would no doubt take a toll on the self-belief of an up and coming player, Hamza believes it is not the case when it comes to his own ability.

Speaking on Friday ahead of the Cobras’ One Day Cup opener against the Warriors – taking place on Sunday – Hamza says he has taken a few lessons from what was an extended run at international level.

“The difference was the pressure, the scrutiny and, at times, the pressure of performance,” he told the media.

“Yes, the level is higher, but I think mentally that is the space to grow in terms of the two levels.

“It was a good experience. It was tough and didn’t go the way I had planned, but you live, and you learn.

“I’m feeling alright. I’m still positive and confident that I can do a job.”

Zubayr Hamza

Tough summer for Proteas rising star

Hamza came into the series against England on the back of a maiden Test half-century in only his second match, where he made an aggressive 62 for the Proteas against India in Ranchi.

His return to domestic cricket had also yielded some runs, he added to his First-Class 100s with a 183 for Western Province against the Northern Cape, before a List A half-century versus the same outfit just days later.

However, in national colours, he could only manage 78 runs in a series where the batting unit faltered.

Falter now has an opportunity to add to his List-A runs, which currently stand at 991 at an average of 34.