Hashim Amla and Wayne Parnell are heading for county cricket after signing short-term deals with Essex and Kent respectively.

Batsman Amla, 26, has signed for Essex as cover for Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria, who has been called up by his country for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka.

He has agreed an initial deal until the end of next month, subject to being granted a visa and clearance from Cricket South Africa, but could extend his stay at Chelmsford should Kaneria make Pakistan's one-day squad.

Amla said: "I am thrilled with the prospect of joining up with Essex at this important stage of the season.

"Promotion in the county championship is a major focus for the team and I hope that I can help achieve this goal. I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Compatriot Parnell, meanwhile, will return to Kent for a second spell after a successful, if brief, stint earlier this season.

Hostile spells

The 19-year-old left-armer, who also impressed with the bat in his first stay, rejoins for five weeks from July 10, his reputation enhanced by some hostile spells for the Proteas in the recent World Twenty20.

Kent chief executive Paul Millman said: "This is great news for the club. We are delighted to be able to bring Wayne back because he made such a big impact in his initial spell.

"The team have done really well to win a tough group and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup. Wayne's return will only help our prospects for next month's quarter-final against Durham.

"It would have been nice to keep him here for a slightly longer period but South Africa are keen for him to fulfil international commitments later in the summer."