The world's top one-day international batsman, Hashim Amla, is in line for the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and the title of cricketer of the year.
Amla, 28, has been nominated in four categories for the eighth annual International Cricket Council (ICC) awards ceremony to be held in London on September 12.
The categories are cricketer of the year, test player of the year, one-day international player of the year and the people's choice award - which is decided by the fans' vote from a short list selected by a special ICC committee.
Amla said he was honoured by the nominations but "surprised" to be counted among players he felt had excelled more.
"The reality is most sportsmen don't strive to do well so that they may pick up awards. We try and give our best for the country. The plan is to try to keep things simple."
When asked who or what he attributed his success to, Amla said he could not pinpoint a particular thing.
"I feel cricketers go through a season when they excel and things go their way. Fortunately, I managed to have one of those seasons."
He said he would still like to gain more experience and was always open to learning more about his game.
Amla said rankings were temporary and they were not really a big issue for him. However, he hoped to make a positive impact for the Proteas and he was focusing his attention on that.
"Everyone has a unique way of playing. So work hard at enhancing that," was his message to aspiring cricketers.
Amla said the Ramadan fast had gone well. "I am really appreciating it. I am hoping to spend Eid with my family."
The next Proteas season begins in October against Australia.
Amla said the training had been good so far.
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