Hashim Amla, who recently suffered his first series loss as Test captain in India, has insisted that even his England counterpart Alastair Cook had 'ups and downs' in his career before resurgence as the two sides prepare for the upcoming four-match series.
Despite the Ashes series 0-5 whitewash against Australia, both Cook and the England selectors remained firm and managed to gain back the lost respect after regaining the Ashes earlier this year.
Amla, who also suffered his first series loss as the captain in India, said that one could not win every Test series, but admitted that these difficult conditions were a part of character building, Sport24 reported.
The 32-year-old described Cook as one of the best opening batsmen in the world, and insisted opening the batting in England was not an easy task, Sport24 reported.
Speaking about the South African conditions, Amla stressed that England consist of a really good bowling unit and that they would be going to benefit due to the seamer-friendly conditions in the country.
South Africa will take on England in the four-match Test series, starting from December 26 in Durban.