Hashim Amla out of Sri Lanka series

176

Hashim Amla will miss the remainder of the ODI series against Sri Lanka due to an illness in his family, Cricket South Africa confirmed on the eve of the fourth ODI, on Tuesday (March 12). Reeza Hendricks, who had originally been left out of the last two games, has been recalled in Amla’s absence and will link up with the squad ahead of the game at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.

Read More: Sri Lanka continue search for 1st ODI win in 2019

Incidentally, Amla had been rested for the first three games of the series, which South Africa won to claim the series. He had replaced Hendricks in the squad for the last two games but has now chosen to skip them due to his father’s illness.

Read More: South Africa recall Markram for Sri Lanka ODIs

“Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODIs of the current series against Sri Lanka on compassionate grounds since his father is critically ill. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hashim and his family during this difficult time and we understand that family obligations always come first,” Proteas team manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee said.

Read More: Kusal Perera injured again!!

Moosajee further added that CSA selectors always planned on using Amla and Hendricks on a rotational basis in the series. “The selectors have decided to add Reeza Hendricks to the squad. It was always the intention of the selectors to rotate Hashim and Reeza during this Sri Lanka ODI series.”

Hendricks had managed a total of 34 runs in the three innings of the first three matches so far, with 29 in the second ODI being his best.