Hashim Amla steps down as South Africa Test captain: South African Test Captain, Hashim Amla announced that he will be stepping down from leading the South Africa side in Tests with immediate effect. This announcement came on Wednesday, January 6 after the drawn Test between England and South Africa at the Newlands, Cape Town.

AB de Villiers will take the responsibility as Amla’s successor until the end of the four-match Test series. The 32-year-old had been in poor form both with the bat and leadership lately, but made a magnificent double century in the New Year Test to inspire his side”s fighting reply after England made 629-6 declared in Cape Town.

Amla, who had succeeded Graeme Smith after his retirement in March 2014, has been under huge pressure as his decline in batting form coincided with South Africa”s 3-0 surrender in India. Amla has captained in 14 Tests – with 4 wins, 6 draws and 4 loses.

Hashim Amla: “Naturally this decision is not an easy one but the more I think about it the more I believe I can be of greater value to the Proteas as a fully focused batsman and senior player at this time of rebuilding our team. I am deeply grateful and privileged to have been the Test captain and I wish to thank CSA for the honour of captaining my country. It was enjoyable and indeed a great learning experience”.

“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. 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,” Hashim Amla added in the press conference