Amla quits as captain: Twitter reacts

Cape Town - Hashim Amla's decision to step down as the captain of the Proteas has sent Twitter into overdrive.

Read: Amla - Why I stepped down now

Amla announced his decision at a press conference at the end of the second Test match between the Proteas and England at Newlands which ended in a thrilling draw.

Amla said he had been thinking about relinquishing the captaincy for some time, but the quick turnaround time from the Proteas series in India to the arrival of England had prevented him from acting. 

He cited the need to work on his own game as one of the biggest motivators in making his decision.

AB de Villiers will take over the captaincy for the two remaining Test matches.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the news:

Nothing but Respect for Hashim Amla!!! Top quality proffesional!!! Im not suprised not one for the media and all the hoo haa!!! ????

— Daine Klate (@Klatey7) January 6, 2016

It takes great courage to stand up and say I am not good enough to captain South Africa #Respect #HashimAmla

— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) January 6, 2016

Well said "@KassNaidoo: Take a bow, Hashim Amla! Your honesty & forthrightness applauded. May u continue to be our greatest run machine ??”

— Gary Lemke (@GaryLemke) January 6, 2016

Respect @amlahash ...

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 6, 2016

#CSAnews @amlahash steps down https://t.co/e3V28aiQBK pic.twitter.com/ubhMj6tUDR

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016

Fair play to @amlahash for his honesty. Fine player and legend of a bloke.

— Gary Wilson (@gwilson14) January 6, 2016

A class individual @amlahash who's made a brave, unselfish decision for the team, in standing down as Captain. ABdeVilliers takes over.

— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) January 6, 2016

Alastair Cook reacts to the news that Hashim Amla has stepped down as captain of South Africa. #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/FrZq7i0mPJ

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 6, 2016

#Amla resigns as South Africa Test captain #Hashim Amla has resigned as South ... - https://t.co/4hdVIIAnja pic.twitter.com/4zJusizd8f

— IndianPremierLeague (@CricketT20IPL) January 6, 2016

Thanks for all your efforts as captain of our beloved Proteas @amlahash. Look forward to the runs flowing again now that the burden is gone

— Waheed Vadi (@WaheedVadi) January 6, 2016

Hashim Amla's 201 could remain the highest by a player in his final Test inns as captain Next best: 192 by Ian Chappell Oval 1975 #SAvEng

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 6, 2016