Amla out, Steyn to undergo fitness test

Hashim Amla of South Africa throws a cricket ball during the second day of th first Test against Pakistan at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on October 15, 2013. By Karim Sahib (AFP/File)

Dubai (AFP) - South Africa's star batsman Hashim Amla was Tuesday ruled out of the second Test while paceman Dale Steyn will undergo a fitness test ahead of the second Test against Pakistan starting here on Wednesday.

Amla, 30, last week returned home to be with his wife for the birth of couple's second child.

South Africa's team manager Mohammed Mossajee said Amla will not be available for the match while Steyn will undergo a fitness test after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday.

"Unfortunately Hashim's wife hasn't given birth yet so he won't be playing the second Test," said Moosaje of Amla who hit 118 in the seven-wicket defeat in the first Test in Abu Dhabi last week.

The 30-year old Amla is ranked world number one in Test rankings.

Moosajee said scans on Steyn's injury were not serious.

"Initially we thought it was a strain but fortunately the MRI scans revealed that there is no major pathology but he has to undergo a fitness test, which takes place either Tuesday or early Wednesday.

"The challenge is that a tight hamstring is aggravated in case it becomes a strain and we have a long tour ahead of us," said Moosajee.

"A final decision will be taken on Wednesday."

Steyn took four wickets in the first Test and is ranked number one bowler in Test rankings.

South Africa will also play five one-day and two Twenty20 after the Tests.