De Villiers appointed Proteas Test captain
Cricket South Africa's (CSA) Board of Directors have confirmed AB de Villiers as Proteas Test captain following a recommendation received from the national selectors.
The 31 year-old De Villiers has accepted the offer to lead the Proteas on a permanent basis after serving as the stand-in captain for the last two Sunfoil Tests against England.
His first assignment in charge will be against New Zealand in August in South Africa.
CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat said: "AB is a class cricketer and a special person and the Board is delighted that he has taken on the responsibility to lead the Proteas Test team during this crucial phase of guiding new players and rebuilding the team to once again be the best in the world.
"AB's commitment to the Proteas and international cricket is a lesson for many other cricketers and the Board was unanimous in appointing AB to take charge of the team.
"Having known AB since he started his international career, I am confident that he will lead by example and display the brilliance and passion that he is so blessed with.
"I would also like to thank Hashim Amla for the manner in which he led the Proteas during a very tough transitional period."
De Villiers expressed his delight at being appointed the Proteas Test captain.
"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.
"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.
"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."
The Board also confirmed the national contracted players for the next year, with certain players being awarded two-year contracts.
The contracted players are: Kyle Abbott, David Miller, Hashim Amla (2 Years), Morne Morkel (2 Years), Temba Bavuma, Wayne Parnell, Farhaan Behardien, Aaron Phangiso, Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander (2 Years), AB de Villiers (2 Years), Kagiso Rabada, Faf du Plessis (2 Years), Rilee Rossouw, JP Duminy (2 years), Dale Steyn (2 Years), Dean Elgar, Imran Tahir
Latest
-
NewsEngland tour of South Africa hanging in balance following shock ODI postponement
The series opener in Cape Town was called off at short notice due to a positive Covid-19 test in the South African squad.
-
NewsSouth Africa team doctor: England have rightful concerns about bio-secure bubble
A three-game ODI series between the sides was meant to kick-off at Newlands on Friday but the opener was postponed after the positive results.
-
NewsEngland’s first ODI against South Africa postponed after positive Covid-19 test
A round of testing was done to screen both squads ahead of the series and one Proteas player was found to have the virus.
-
NewsWilliamson: It was important to try and make good decisions for a long period of time
Kane Williamson led from the front as New Zealand posted a huge first innings total after being put in to bat by the West Indies.
-
NewsJoe Root already focused on Ashes and admits there can be ‘no excuses this time’
Root oversaw a chastening 4-0 defeat in 2017/18 and failed to reclaim the urn last summer.
-
NewsLatham relishes the battle of fronting Black Caps batting efforts
The Black Caps ended the first day of their Test match against the West Indies on top after a trial by fast bowlng.
-
NewsHaseeb Hameed eyes England return after signing new Nottinghamshire deal
Hameed scored 272 runs in a truncated debut season for Nottinghamshire.
-
NewsSouth Africa’s ranks weakened further after resting Faf du Plessis for ODIs
The pressure is on the Proteas after losing the Twenty20 series 3-0.
-
NewsClare Connor: 41 professional contracts is step change for women’s cricket
The deals are in addition to the 17 centrally contracted England players.
-
NewsEoin Morgan insists balcony messages in ‘spirit of the game’ and will continue
Team analyst Nathan Leamon was spotted by television cameras showing letter and number combinations such as ‘2C’ and ‘4E’.