Amla’s stay cut short with Steyn to step in

Cape Town - English county Hampshire announced on Thursday that Proteas batsman Hashim Amla has returned to South Africa after suffering an injury last month.

According to the club's official website, Amla suffered a minor knee injury in May.

The Proteas batsman returned to South Africa late last month for fitness testing and medical screening with the national side

Amla will not return to England in order to ensure his recovery before the Proteas Test series against Sri Lanka next month.

Amla was prolific throughout his nine-match stint at the Ageas Bowl, totalling 611 runs at an average of more than 50 in both four-day and List A matches during April and May.

The 35-year-old also topped the list of County Championship run-getters after the opening five fixtures, recording two centuries and three fifties in his nine innings'.

Meanwhile, Hampshire announced that Proteas fast-bowler Dale Steyn, who made his debut for the club this week, will take the place of Amla for three further matches this month.

READ: Steyn smashed, but unscathed in comeback match

Steyn will now be available for the County Championship matches later this month against Yorkshire and Lancashire in Amla's place.

The fast bowler will also be involved in this weekend's fixture against Surrey, which was earmarked as the seamer's four-day debut after signing for the club in April.

Steyn will also be available for the One-Day Cup semi-final match to be held at the Ageas Bowl on June 17 or 18.