DHAKA: Hashim Amla has resigned as South Africa captain following the second Test against England at Newlands.

AB de Villiers will take over for the final two Tests of the series in Johannesburg and Centurion, reports espncricinfo.

Amla has come in for criticism of his leadership since the start of the series but had returned to form with the bat in Cape Town with 201 in South Africa’s only innings.

Amla was named as Graeme Smith’s replacement as captain in mid-2014 and this was his sixth series in charge. After winning his first three against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and West Indies, he oversaw a rain-affected drawn series against Bangladesh and the 3-0 defeat in India.

In a statement, Amla said: “This decision has not an easy one to make I felt I had to be true to myself. I am comfortable with my decision and I feel I need to work on my own game.

“I was deeply honoured when the position was given to me. Throughout my time as captain, I have always had the support of my team-mates and coaching staff. I remain committed to the Proteas across all formats and I will fully support whoever is shown as my successor.”

Amla said that he had begun to think about stepping down two weeks ago, before the start of the series against England. South Africa are currently 1-0 down, after defeat in Durban, but emerged with credit after a hard-fought draw in Cape Town.

“Captaining your country is probably the pinnacle,” he said. “Why I did it now, it just so happened I got 200 and it fitted nicely that the South African team did exceptionally well on the last day. It was coming for the last two weeks.

“I had chatted to a few of the guys in the team before this, so I don’t think it had come as a massive shock,” he added.

The CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: “We respect Hashim’s decision and the manner in which he thought about it and then communicated with me. It was consistent with his well respected personality.

“He still has a huge role to play in shaping the success of our team without the need for a leadership title. He is just that type of a person and we are very fortunate to have him in our stable.

“I want to thank AB for readily accepting the challenge of rebuilding our Test team as we seek to remain the best team in the world.”

De Villiers said that while being handed the job in such circumstances was not ideal, it would allow him to fulfill a dream of captaining his country in Test cricket.

“I’ve said this before that it is an incredible honour to captain South Africa in any format. The captaincy has obviously come at short notice and is the realization of a lifelong dream,” de Villiers said.

“At the moment my priority and focus is placed on leading this team to what can be a memorable series win against England. This Test squad is motivated and determined to turn our performances around and I’m looking forward to taking up that challenge as captain. Hashim is a good friend and close colleague and I am grateful for his support.”

BDST: 0952 HRS, JAN 07, 2016
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