South Africa: AB De Villiers made full-time Test captain

He is optimistic about the potential of a team which appears in transition

AB de Villiers had originally replaced Hashim Amla on a short-term basis (Getty Images)

AB de Villiers has agreed to become South Africa’s permanent Test captain after taking over during the England series for the short term.

De Villiers, who will also lead his country in a five-match one-day international series against England, starting next week, was in charge for the last two Tests of the series lost 2-1 to the same tourists.

After taking over the Test captaincy from Hashim Amla he appeared equivocal about the role – and his subsequent form, including a pair in the final match at Centurion last week, was below his usual standards as one of the world’s finest batsmen.

It was nonetheless announced, following a Cricket South Africa board meeting yesterday, that the 31-year-old will lead the Test team for the foreseeable future.

Said De Villiers: “This is an exciting time for South African cricket, and I am honoured to have been asked to captain the Test team into a new era.

“I thoroughly enjoyed captaining in the last two Tests against England, and although I still have a lot to learn in this role, it’s a new challenge that I’m excited to take on.”

He is optimistic about the potential of a team which appears in transition but contains several promising players. “I have been privileged to play in several outstanding Proteas teams over the past 11 seasons, and I believe we are witnessing the emergence of another great team,” De Villiers added.

“There is plenty of hard work ahead of us; we are rebuilding and have a long way to go to being a finished product as a squad.

“We may have to fight through some tough times. But the recent performances of Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, Dane Piedt, Dean Elgar and others have created an opportunity to build a team that delights and unites our country as never before.

“I could not be more excited about the future. I am fully committed to the Proteas – but more than anything, I am grateful for the support from my team-mates, Cricket South Africa and the people of our rainbow nation.”

Meanwhile, India condemned a weakened Australia to back-to-back defeats to take the Twenty20 series with a 27-run victory in front of a 58,787 crowd at the MCG in Melbourne. Virat Kohli followed up his heroics in the opening game with a knock of 59. Australia captain Aaron Finch hit 74.

AB de Villiers had originally replaced Hashim Amla on a short-term basis