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Cape Town – Hashim Amla has stepped down as the captain of the Proteas Test team.
Read: Amla quits as captain - Twitter reacts
Read: Amla - Why I stepped down now
The decision came as a massive shock following Amla's double hundred in South Africa's first innings that helped rescue a draw from the jaws of defeat in the second Test against England at Newlands.
Amla announced the news at the post-match press conference, and said it was something that he had been thinking hard about since before the England series started.
Asked why he did not step down before the series started, Amla offered the quick turnaround from his side's tour to India as the main reason.
Proteas team management also revealed that AB de Villiers would take over the captaincy for the rest of the series.
"After careful consideration and careful thought I wish to announce that I will be stepping down as captain of the Proteas Test team with immediate effect," said a calm Amla, reading a statement.
"This decision was not an easy one to make, but I felt I needed to be true to myself having done a personal introspection.
"I am comfortable with my decision knowing that I have given my best at all times and will continue to do so.
"However, I feel there is a greater need to work on my own game, thus giving me the opportunity to continue contributing as a batsman like I have done previously.
"I was deeply honoured when the position was offered to me, as this is the pinnacle for any sportsman. I am extremely grateful to have had the privilege of captaining this wonderful team and must add that my stint as captain has proven to be of great lessons.
"Throughout my time as captain, through the good times and the bad times, I’ve always had the support of my team-mates and management. I want to acknowledge this superb group of people for always being there for me and supporting me."
Amla, who took over the Test captaincy in June 2014, said he "remained committed" to representing his country across all formats.
He took charge of 14 matches in that time - winning four, losing four and drawing six.
