Promising Indian-origin batsman Hashim Amla will replace veteran Herschelle Gibbs [Images] in the South African squad for the second Test against New Zealand [Images], starting in Cape Town on Thursday.

Amla is almost certain to make it to the playing eleven, with selection committee chairman Haroon Lorgat saying he would bat at number three.

"Hashim Amla will come in at number three, a position held by Herschelle Gibbs," Lorgat said.

Gibbs was dropped for the next two Tests so that he can recover his batting form.

Lorgat stressed the need for consistency and said captain Graeme Simth is also due for a good score now.

"We have to re-structure the top six in our Test line-ups. I am having one-on-ones with all the players. We've offered them new contracts and they know exactly where they stand. Graeme Smith [Images] is another who owes us runs big time."

The inclusion of Amla has been welcomed by his supporters in KwaZulu-Natal, where most of the people of Indian origin live.

"It was about time that Amla was given a chance," said Christy Subrayen, a former local cricketer and a sports and political activist.

"Jacques Kallis [Images] was given more than a dozen chances before he shone as a top class batsman. Amla was only given one chance. We now hope that Amla will be given the necessary support so that he can show the top class batsman he is.

"Amla could not be ignored by the selectors as he was the leading batsman in the provincial tournaments this year," 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 Australians but was not included in the final eleven.

Amla was also included in the 16-member team for the first Test against New Zealand at Centurion but was once again not picked in the final eleven.