Exclusive Q&A: Zubayr Hamza on his Proteas return, learning from Hashim Amla and batting at No 3

After a two-year absence, Zubayr Hamza is back in the Proteas Test squad, with the experienced batter earning a recall for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

The call-up came as a pleasant surprise for the 31-year-old, who was focusing on his T20 commitments with the Lions when national coach Shukri Conrad rang him up last week.

Hamza has enjoyed a career of highs and lows since making his Test debut against Pakistan in 2019. Now, with greater experience and a different perspective on the game, he believes he is better equipped to handle the demands and expectations of international cricket.

In this exclusive interview with IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams, he discusses his Proteas recall, the value of working with batting great Hashim Amla, the challenge of filling the crucial No 3 position and what makes Conrad's coaching approach so effective.

IOL Sport: It's always good to be back in Cape Town, particularly after spending time in Johannesburg. How have you settled into life up north?

Hamza: I've settled in quite nicely, and the people have welcomed me with open arms. It's always nice to come back to where it all started. I'm excited to be here, see family and spend some time at home before I head off again. But I'm always going to miss Cape Town.

Did you watch much of the recent Test series against Australia? And if so, what did you make of it?

I watched the majority of it. It was a fantastic Test, and I wish I had been here to watch it as a fan. I followed it pretty avidly from my couch. It was fantastic, I really enjoyed it, and I'm happy the guys won.

And now you're back in the cauldron having got the call from Shuks. Were you expecting it?

I wasn't. After a successful series win, I was just focused on being present where I was and playing T20 cricket for the Lions. So it was a pleasant surprise. I was very happy to get the call.

You've spoken about being present and focusing on the job in front of you. Has that become an important part of your approach, whether you're playing red-ball or white-ball cricket?

I think it's massive. I guess, it comes with the positives of age. I suppose, you've been through the ups and downs, the expectations and the pressures. I've settled quite nicely into a position where I'm happy wherever I am and wherever I'm required to be. I just want to give it my best and hopefully perform as consistently as possible.

Looking back at your Test debut and then the series against England in 2020, what is the fundamental difference between the Zubayr Hamza of then and the player you are today?

Back then, I probably had a little less experience, although I still had massive goals. There are still plenty of goals in my career that I'd like to achieve. Perhaps I didn't fully understand or have a holistic view of what Test cricket could entail. I've had a taste of it, and I'm looking forward to learning from the other guys, their experiences and what I can only consider one of the greatest series I've watched in my lifetime.

Now, it's a case of continuing to do what I've been doing, putting in the hard work and hopefully contributing and fitting in nicely.

At the Lions, you have the opportunity to work with someone like Proteas legend Hashim Amla. What has that experience been like?

I think it's incredible. I don't think anyone can complain about having that opportunity. Hashim Amla is an idol for many kids of my generation. We grew up watching those guys, and being able to speak to him on a day-to-day basis about technique is fantastic.

We do drills, work hard in the nets and put in the hours, but having access to someone like him to discuss the mental side of the game and what his mentality was like is invaluable.

Earlier today, for example, I asked him what it was like when he had been dropped from the national side and then had to come back. What was his mentality? Were there any hurdles he had to overcome? It was fantastic to have that conversation, albeit for five minutes. In my situation, that was more important than having a net session.

The No 3 position has almost been a poisoned chalice for Proteas in recent times, with several players having had an opportunity there. Is that a role you see yourself filling?

I think the team is pretty settled, and Shukri has a clear idea of where he wants to take the team. As a player, wherever the gap is, I'm happy to take a crack at it.

Watching the recent series, perhaps there are massive shoes to fill and high expectations that come with the position. But if you can put that aside while playing, hopefully it can pay off. There are plenty of us looking to take a crack at No 3, and plenty of guys performing around the country. I'm just fortunate to have the opportunity, and hopefully, if given the chance, I can score runs.

The Proteas are now the world Test champions and the No 1-ranked Test team. Is there a feeling among domestic players that they want to be part of this successful environment?

As a player, you want to be there, you want to learn, you want to get better and you want to perform. We've watched the Test series and seen what all the players have been able to achieve. If you're not going to strive to be part of that success, then I don't know why you're playing the game.

You've known Shukri Conrad for much of your career. What is it about his coaching approach that seems to bring the best out of players?

I think it's just raw honesty, if I can put it that way. There's a bluntness to him, which can only be respected. If someone tells you like it is and gives you their opinion, you respect that.

I suppose having a door that's always open and a relationship that's a two-way street, where you can do the same with him, creates a level of honesty and genuineness in the dressing room. I think that's important.