Amla pens short-term Notts deal

Hashim Amla, who scored 490 runs in South Africa's two Tests in India, will provide overseas cover at Notts in 2010

Nottinghamshire have confirmed the signing of South Africa batsman Hashim Amla for the first seven weeks of the season.

The 26-year-old will provide cover for Australian David Hussey, who is set to arrive at Trent Bridge after completing his duties for Kolkata Knight Rigers in the Indian Premier League and Australia in the World Twenty20.

Amla is arguably the most in-form batsman in world cricket, having averaged 490 in the recently-concluded two-Test series in India.

“Six of our Championship fixtures begin before the end of May so our main aim in the recruitment process was to find a batsman who we felt could score consistently in four-day cricket,” said Notts director of cricket Mick Newell.

“Hashim is having a good time in India, he’s not involved in South Africa’s Twenty20 side and he hasn’t got an IPL contract, so he fits the bill.

“Pursuing county cricket is a good option for a player in his position and hopefully he’ll leave with a positive impression of us and the door will be open for him to return at some stage in the future.”

Amla, who averaged 102.50 in three LV= County Championship games for Essex last season, is expected to make his debut for Notts in a three-day game against Durham UCCE starting on April 10, and will leave Trent Bridge after the championship match against Essex which finishes on June 1.