Newlands, Jan 6: Hashim Amla has resigned from South Africa Test skipper's position on Wednesday, Jan 6, with immediate effect.

The declaration came moments after the second Test between South Africa and England ended in a draw.

South Africa's ODI captain AB de Villiers will be captaining the side in the remainder of the series.

The 32-year-old right handed batsman took over as Proteas' skipper from Greame Smith. Amla has been under pressure following his poor form which resulted in 3-0 Test drubbing against India.

Amla has led the side in 14 Tests - with four wins, six draws and four loses.

In the last 12 innings he played in 2015, the right-handed batter managed just 251 runs at a paltry average of 22.81. Thus he was under stiff pressure to perform.

Amla reckoned that he could be of greater value to the team as a 'fully focussed batsman' hence the decision to step aside.

In an official statement Amla was quoted as saying, "Naturally this decision is not an easy one but the more I think about it the more I believe I can be of greater value to the Proteas as a fully focused batsman and senior player at this time of rebuilding our team.

I am deeply grateful and privileged to have been the Test captain and I wish to thank CSA for the honour of captaining my country. It was enjoyable and indeed a great learning experience."

Earlier, the 2nd Test match played between England and South Africa ended in a draw.

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