Amla drops captaincy bombshell

HASHIM Amla’s shock decision to resign as South Africa’s captain after leading his team to a draw in the second cricket test at Newlands yesterday was not taken lightly. “I felt someone else could do a better job,” Amla said, after leading a fightback of epic proportions. “The decision was not made over the last couple of days. It was made at least two weeks ago,” he said. One-day captain AB de Villiers will lead the Proteas in the remaining two matches of a series which England lead 1-0. “I had chatted to a few of the guys before this, so this did not come as a massive shock to them,” Amla said. “We have a very tight leadership team – myself, AB, Faf [du Plessis], quite a few of the senior guys. AB is very able and a brilliant captain himself.” On what had been expected to be a lowkey final day after high scoring in the first innings, Amla’s captaincy ended on a high.

After scoring 201, following a battering by a Ben Stokes-inspired England in the first innings of the match, Amla had one of his better days in the field as England lost six second innings wickets by mid-afternoon. England were on 159/6, leading by 161 runs, when play was called off. Amla’s resignation comes in the face of mounting public and media pressure, with the team not having won any of their last eight tests – a record drought for the Proteas. He captained South Africa in 14 tests, winning four, losing four and drawing six. “This decision was not an easy one to make, but I felt I needed to be true to myself, having done a personal introspection,” Amla said. “I feel 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.” England captain Alastair Cook said: “This

is a bit of a shock. He played an outstanding innings, a real captain’s knock.” Proteas coach Russell Domingo said: “A lot of the criticism Hashim has faced over the past couple of weeks has been very harsh. “He is one of South Africa’s greatestever players. Statistically, he is up there as one of the best players.” Amla interrupted him, saying: “You don’t have to defend me, it’s cool.” But Domingo was not done. “I’m just venting here a little bit because I honestly feel there has not been enough respect shown for what he has achieved as a player,” he said. “The selflessness and sacrifice he has put into the team speaks volumes for him.

“After this series our next series is only [at home against New Zealand] in August. “So there’s still a bit of time for that decision [on who the new captain will be] to be made. “AB’s the frontrunner. That’s the bottom line. That’s why he has been asked to do so for these next couple of test matches.” On the upside for South Africa, one of its finest players ever to pick up a bat will be able to give his full focus to that role. “It’s a bit of a relief because now I don’t have to worry about winning the toss,” Amla joked.