Amla will bat at three – Faf du Plessis

It has been a disappointing year for Amla in Test cricket, with his highest-score of 82 coming back in January against India at the Centurion. The recent tour of Sri Lanka saw the 35-year old moved from his usual batting position at three down to four, with Theunis de Bruyn replacing him at first-drop.

It proved to be a poor tour for the former Test skipper, as his four innings resulted in just 40 runs. Nevertheless, du Plessis has confirmed that Amla is set to return to his previous spot with some domestic runs under his belt. After a golden duck in the first-innings for Cape Cobras in their franchise match against the Warriors, Amla scored a 135-ball 61 in his second dig at the crease, pointing towards a potential return to form.

"Hash is our number 3, he's been there forever and is our rock at number 3," said du Plessis. "What is important is time in the middle. Hashim knows he hasn't scored the amount of runs he would have liked in the last year but it's a new season and he's fresh, coming off a fifty.

"It is important for him to get off to a good start in this series, just to settle the nerves and be confident. Hashim technically he is one of the most sound players in the world."

Amla’s quest for runs will be boosted by the news that Pakistan’s leading fast-bowler Mohammad Abbas has been ruled out of the series opener with a shoulder injury.