AB de Villiers has backed Faf du Plessis as the Proteas Test captain and has relinquished his position with immediate effect.
The star right-hander made the announcement on Monday after being ruled out of the three-Test series against Sri Lanka due to his ongoing elbow problems.
De Villiers was still the official Test captain despite his absence in the last two series against New Zealand and Australia, when they were led by Du Plessis.
Du Plessis has now been appointed by Cricket South Africa’s board as the permanent Test captain.
“The interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual, including me. It was a fantastic honour for me to be asked to captain the Test side, but I have missed two series and I am still in doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka,” De Villiers said in a statement.
“Following the squad’s outstanding performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confirmed as the permanent Test captain.
“I have known Faf for almost 20 years, ever since we played in the same school side at Afrikaans Hoer Seunskool, and he will have my unequivocal support if he is asked to continue leading this exciting Proteas Test team.”
Cricket SA chief executive Haroon Lorgat expressed his admiration for De Villiers. “AB has always carried himself as a true team player, and his decision to step down confirms his attitude to put the team first,” Lorgat said. “It is no surprise that the CSA Board has confirmed Faf du Plessis as the Test captain to take over from AB.”
Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee said De Villiers won’t be able to face Sri Lanka over the festive season. “AB’s left elbow is much improved, but is still regaining the last few degrees of straightening. Fitness to play requires a full range of elbow movement and this may take another three to four weeks to achieve,” he said.
“He will be unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka and will target a return for the ODI series starting at the end of January.”