AB steps down as captain
The 32-year-old opened the way for long-time friend Faf du Plessis to take over.
AB de Villiers stepped down as captain of the Proteas Test team on Monday.
De Villiers was appointed captain in January after Hashim Amla’s resignation.
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An elbow injury forced the Pretoria-based player out of action for nearly six months.
“The interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual, including me,” said De Villiers in his statement.
“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 long-time friend Faf du Plessis was the right man to take the team forward.
“I have known Faf for almost 20 years, ever since we played in the same school side at Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool.”
“He will have my unequivocal support if he is asked to continue leading this exciting Proteas Test team.”
De Villiers has been ruled out of the three match Sunfoil Test series against Sri Lanka, due to his injury.
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Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee however, said De Villiers was making progress.
“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.”
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