Derbyshire County Cricket Club have signed South Africa Test captain Hashim Amla as cover for Kiwi overseas player Martin Guptill.

Amla, who has scored more than 6,500 runs in 82 Tests, will join from 10 May and is available for two Championship matches and three T20 Blast games. Derbyshire announced the news via their official website on Tuesday, filling the gap created by Guptill’s Test recall.

Amla is currently ranked as the world’s No 3 Test batsman. The 31 year-old has played in 82 Tests, scoring 6 757 runs at an average of 52.78. He has also played 115 ODIs, scoring 5 692 runs at 55.26, and 26 T20 internationals, adding 600 runs at a strike rate of 122.44.

Derbyshire’s Elite Performance Director, Graeme Welch, has commented: “Hashim is a world class batsman and a proven match winner on both the Test and limited overs stage.

“He’s a player I have worked with before and I know he will be a great influence on the younger lads. He will also bring a wealth of experience to the side as we look to compete at the highest level in both red ball and white ball cricket.”

Amla’s last spell in English county cricket was with Surrey in 2013, having previously played for Essex and Nottinghamshire.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play in England this summer,” said Amla, who made his Test debut in 2004. Derbyshire are an ambitious club with an exciting young team and I’ve enjoyed working with Graeme before. I’m looking forward to making a strong contribution in both four-day and Twenty20 cricket.”

Guptill has been called up to the New Zealand squad for their Test series with England, which begins next month.