JOHANNESBURG: Top order batsmen Hashim Amla has been assigned the role of South Africa’s Test captain on Tuesday, ARY News reported.
Amla has succeeded the Graeme Smith, who retired in March this year. His first assignment will be South Africa’s two-Test tour of Sri Lanka next month.
Hashim Amla was given the job ahead of team-mate AB de Villiers, who will continue to lead the ODI side in which Amla will serve as his deputy. De Villiers will remain the Test vice-captain and the first-choice wicketkeeper in the longest format.
He said leading test team is an honour and a privilege for me.
“I have to pay tribute to Graeme and his leadership. For years, I’ve concentrated on my batting, but now it’s time to contribute in the team setting. As a captain, you are more a servant than you are a leader. I will be taking it as my responsibility to give all my heart to this position”, he added.
Hashim Amla is the fifth skipper of South Africa since 1992, the year in which SA got test status.
