While I dont disagree with you, he is easily discarded sometimes. Largely, I think, because of his unassuming nature. He scored SA`s first triple century against a pretty decent Eng attack away from home I remember that pretty well... I also remember the 253 at Nagpur... so he has some pretty good individual performances. He has been a rock in a SA team that included Smith, Kallis and ABdV out performing them often...
His hundred at Kolkata in the very next test was amazing. One of the very best rearguards I've ever seen. Almost took the number 1 ranking away from India singlehandedly.
Can you remember any of Jacques Kallis' stunning individual performances? If not, would you honestly argue he is not an ATG?
I still think he's done quite decently since then though. He wasn't amazing vs England in both the home or away series but still produced a few really key innings. He isn't dominating like he was back in 2010-12 but he's still probably your best batsman. I think that's ultimately what sets the ATGs apart though... Lengthy dominant peaks of 7-8 years where they pound every team in sight. Amla was doing it but it ended a tad earlier than I expected.
He stopped scoring the big 100`s when we needed him most... after losing, Smith, Kallis and ABdV (unexpectedly). He has not done bad by normal standards but as you say not ATG standards. But he still has time to recover and also another shot at a WC in 2 years time.
The thing about Amla is how unobtrusive he is. Remember watching him make a few tons here a few years ago and he'd score quickly, and suddenly he'd be a lot more than you thought he would be.
Agree, he scores way quicker than you think he is doing. It's almost as if his innings are a reflection of his career.
