Amla replaces Gibbs for second Test against Kiwis

The inclusion of Amla has been welcomed by his supporters in Kwazulu-Natal, where most of the people of Indian origin live. 8216;8216;It was about time that Amla was given a chance,8217;8217; said Christy Subrayen, a former local cricketer and a sports and political activist. Jacques Kallis was given more than a dozen chances before he shone as a top class batsman. Amla was only given one chance. Amla could not be ignored by the selectors as he was the leading batsman in the provincial tournaments this year,8217;8217; Subrayen said.

Amla, a former captain of the Kwazulu-Natal team, made his first appearance for South Africa at a Test match against India in Kolkata more than a year ago. He failed to make an impact then and was subsequently dropped. He returned to the national squad for the third and final Test in the recently concluded series against the Aussies but was not included in the final eleven.