Cape Town: Hashim Amla has quit as South Africa's Test captain in a surprise move in the middle of the four-test series against England. Amla said after the drawn second Test at Newlands on Wednesday that he was stepping down immediately.
This decision is not an easy one but I believe I can be of greater value to the Proteas as a fully focused batsman and senior player - Amla
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016Amla took over the captaincy from Graeme Smith but had been under pressure after a lean run of results for the top-ranked Proteas and struggles with his own batting form.
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 - Amla
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016He made a double-century at Newlands, and appeared to have turned his form around. Amla said he made the decision two weeks ago.
We respect Hashim’s decision and the manner in which he thought about it and then communicated with me - CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat said vice-captain AB de Villiers would take over as captain for the rest of the series. England leads 1-0.
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 - Lorgat
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016
