Amla is doubtful for second test

DUBAI: The presence of South Africa's opening batsman Hashim Amla is suspected for the second Test against Pakistan which is about to begin on October 23,

Hashim Amla is headed back to South Africa for the birth of his second child and described the trip as being similar to a stint in the middle.

Team Manager Mohammad Moosajee said that, “the baby's due date has not been revealed but he or she is expected to arrive fairly soon.”

Moosajee said as long as Amla arrived in Dubai by Tuesday, he would be able to play the second Test.

While Amla said that "It's a waiting game in many respects, a bit of a Test match actually, I'll just have to see what happens'I'll just have to see what happens."

"Whenever it does happen, soon after that I'll try and get back here," he confirmed.

Amla will have precious little time with his new-born because he is in a race against time to be back for the second Test.

If he doesn't make it by then, South Africa will have to replace Amla, their only centurion from the first Test, with a far less experienced player.

They have two choices in that regard with the most likely one being to bring in Dean Elgar for Amla. Elgar was dropped to make room for JP Duminy in the middle order after playing just six Test matches.