Hashim Amla steps down as South Africa Test captain, AB de Villiers takes charge

New Delhi: In a shocking move, Hashim Amla stepped down as South Africa captain on Wednesday after the end of second Test against England at Newlands.

Cricket South Africa confirmed the news via its Twitter account.

#CSAnews @amlahash steps down https://t.co/e3V28aiQBK pic.twitter.com/ubhMj6tUDR — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016

“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,” stated Amla, while announcing his resignation.

South African 'superman' AB de Villiers will be the interim skipper for the remaining two Tests of the series.

Amla, who had been facing criticism of his leadership after losing the Indian series 0-3 and then the first match against England, did answer back with a double century (201) at Newlands but decided to step down as skipper. 

The second Test ended in a draw, leaving England 1-0 up in the four-match series with the next Test to start in Johannesburg on January 14.

Amla took over the captaincy charge from Graeme Smith's in mid-2014.