Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday (March 12) said that Hashim Amla will not feature in the last two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) of the ongoing five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, stating the batsman had asked for leave as her father is critically ill.

The right-hander had already missed the first three ODIs against Lanka, though, he was included in the South Africa squad for the final two matches of the series, but was forced to skip the matches on compassionate grounds, confirmed CSA.

While Reeza Hendricks, who had replaced Amla for the first three ODIs will continue to be in the squad for the remaining matches of the ODI series against Sri Lanka at home.

Team Manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed on Tuesday, “Hashim has asked to be excused from the last two ODI’s 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.”

Moosajee signed off by saying, “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.”

Noteworthy, South Africa have already clinched the ODI series 3-0 with the fourth ODI will be played on March 13 in Port Elizabeth followed by the final on March 16 in Cape Town.

(With AFP Inputs)