Amla signs for Essex

29 June 2009

NEW SIGNING: Hashim Amla

Essex have announced the signing of South African batsman Hashim Amla as their replacement overseas player.

Amla, 26, has moved to Chelmsford, after Danish Kaneria was called up to the Pakistan test squad to play against Sri Lanka.

The highly-rated Test star will be at Essex for the whole of July, and possibly longer if Kaneria is selected for Pakistan's one-day international series

A delighted Amla 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.