Amla replaces 'mentally tired' Gibbs at No. 3

Hashim Amla will bat at No. 3 after Herschelle Gibbs was dropped because of fatigue. The convenor of selectors, Haroon Lorgat, revealed that he had a frank discussion with GIbbs in which they agreed Gibbs was mentally tired.

"It was a very adult conversation. I have to admit that I was quite impressed with Gibbs' self analysis. We agreed that he was mentally tired. I told him that one could see that he was tired. He must go and have a rest and pull himself together, because there's an incredibly difficult season waiting for us."

The 23-year-old Amla, who was dropped after an average run in the three Tests against England last season, roared back to form in the first-class game, accumulating 893 runs at 55.81 and helping the Dolphins to share the SuperSport trophy with the Titans.

"He [Amla] has done what we've expected of him," Lorgat said. "When you're left out of the squad, we want to see you dominate at franchise level. You must also prove that you're better than the other players in the team. If you want to play in someone's place, you have to deliver proof that you're better than that person, otherwise it doesn't make sense to bring about change."

Lorgat also said that Boeta Dippenaar will open the innings with Graeme Smith. "Boeta has the technique and the attitude to open the innings successfully, "Lorgat told Supersport.co.za . "He will do well."