Hashim Amla is the perfect role model: Cricket South Africa

Cricket South Africa(CSA), in a media release on Sunday, saluted Hashim Amla for his double whammy -  reaching South Africa's highest ever Test score and of becoming the first to make a triple century at this level for the country.

"This has been a sensational performance by our top order," commented CSA acting CEO Jacques Faul, "but Hashim has to be singled out for first breaking AB de Villiers' record of 278 not out and then going on to join the 300 club."

The Proteas have had a number of top-class batting performances over the years but an innings of 300 was conspicuous by its absence from the top order's CV and now Hashim has put that to rest.

"Hashim's contribution to South African cricket has gone far beyond the runs he has put on the scoreboard. He remains a wonderful role model to our youth with the humility and dignity he displays on the field, his totally professional and focused approach on the field and the manner in which he conducts himself both on and off the field.

"To round it off we have had our captain, Graeme Smith, scoring a century on his 100th Test match appearance and our acknowledged batting champion, Jacques Kallis, making his 43th Test match century. Hashim and Jacques have also equalled the performance of Graeme and Herschelle Gibbs in sharing three treble century stands.

"The platform has now been set for the remainder of this Test match."