11:49am Tuesday 30th June 2009
By Ian Oxborrow
Essex have signed South African batsman Hashim Amla.
He will provide cover for Danish Kaneria, who is on international duty with Pakistan in Sri Lanka.
Amla will be with Essex until at least the end of July when Essex will learn if Kaneria is selected in the Pakistan One Day International squad.
Amla made his Test-debut versus India in November 2004 and he was in test action for South Africa as recent as March this year in Cape Town versus Australia.
He said: “I am thrilled with the prospect of joining up with Essex at this important stage of the season. “Promotion in the County Championship is a major focus for the team and I hope that I can help achieve this goal. I am really looking forward to the challenge”
The signing of Amla, 26, is subject to him obtaining a working visa and Essex receiving clearance for him to play from Cricket South Africa.
He is expected to make his debut against Glamorgan next week in the county championship.
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