Amla has played 37 Test matches for South Africa

South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has said that joining Essex fulfils his ambition of playing county cricket.

The 26-year-old has moved to Chelmsford until the end of July as cover for Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

Amla told BBC Essex: "I always had ambitions to come and play County Championship cricket at some stage and hopefully be successful.

"I don't think it will be too difficult to adapt, I was here a year ago with the South Africa team."

Amla, who was part of the Proteas side that beat England 2-1 in 2008 Test series, added that he has no problems with the busy county cricket schedule.

"In many ways its a huge benefit for a batter, there's a lot of opportunity to bat," added Amla.

"If you get onto a good roll, then you can keep on scoring runs and that's what I'm looking to do."

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