Hashim Amla, whose unbeaten century steadied South Africa's innings on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Monday, might miss the second Test because of the imminent arrival of his second child.
Team manager Mohamed Mosajee said Amla, the world's top Test batsman, would return home after the conclusion of the first Test on Friday for the birth.
Mosajee said Amla would attempt to return to Dubai for the second Test, which starts on October 23, but his presence was not guaranteed.
Amla scored 118 not out, almost half of South Africa's total of 245 for eight, on Monday. It was his 20th Test century.
Image: Hashim Amla