Twitter Reactions: Hashim Amla resigns as captain

Hashim Amla has resigned as South Africa’s Test captain with immediate effect after South Africa drew with England in the second Test. Amla, who struck a double ton at Newlands, will hand over the captaincy for the remaining two Tests at the Wanderers and Centurion.

The 32-year-old has been under severe pressure recently after losing last year’s away series 3-0 to India and the first Test to England in Durban by 241 runs. It can be assumed that Amla must have considered that his personal leadership style is not suited to this current young and inexperienced Proteas Test side.

In a statement, Amla said: “This decision has not an easy one to make I felt I had to be true to myself. I am comfortable with my decision and I feel I need to work on my own game.”

“I was deeply honoured when the position was given to me. Throughout my time as captain, I have always had the support of my team-mates and coaching staff. I remain committed to the Proteas across all formats and I will fully support whoever is shown as my successor.”

Amla was named as Graeme Smith’s replacement as captain in mid-2014. This was his sixth series in charge, after winning his first three against Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and West Indies he oversaw a rain-affected drawn series against Bangladesh and the 3-0 defeat in India.

AB de Villiers will now lead for the rest of the series. “I’ve said this before that it is an incredible honour to captain South Africa in any format. The captaincy has obviously come at short notice and is the realization of a lifelong dream, de Villiers said gratefully.

@amlahash steps down as captain of the #Proteas #SAvsENG #ProteaFire #Amla @OfficialCSA pic.twitter.com/NJyeBQyPOT

— Mark Meyer (@markm269) January 6, 2016

#HashimAmla #cricket #SAvsENG pic.twitter.com/DihyxhZk2y

— CricTale (@CricTaleLive) January 6, 2016

Amla: "The decision is based purely on the thought that somebody else could do a better job. I've given it my best shot and enjoyed it."

— Dean Wilson (@CricketMirror) January 6, 2016

It was certainly my own choice. You don't look like me in this world without knowing what you want to do – @amlahash

— Rob Houwing (@RobHouwing) January 6, 2016

Hashim Amla has resigned as South Africa Test captain.Vice-Captain,AB de Villiers agreed to take over captaincy for remainder of the series

— A K ✍️ (@aloisAK) January 6, 2016

So after rumours AB De Villiers to quit test cricket, he's now #Proteas captain after Hashim Amla resigns? wow #SAvsENG #bbccricket

— Paul Hawkins (@paulejhawkins) January 6, 2016

"Hashim Amla quits Proteas Captaincy" effective immediately! Yes! Solid player, weak captain! #Proteas

— Marlo Vincent Ford (@The_Marlo) January 6, 2016

A focused Hashim Amla, coming from scoring a 200, faces England at the Bull Ring next week Thursday. ????? #proteas #savseng

— Agent Provocateur (@De_Imperial) January 6, 2016

Wise, commendable decision by Hashim Amla.

— Wally (@tiny_taines) January 6, 2016

Right decision by @amlahash to step down but mid series timing is a bit odd. SA needs you monk. Please don't make @ABdeVilliers17 as captain

— Kunal AntMan (@meaninist) January 6, 2016

Hashim amla steps down as captain for Sa test team.Good, dare decision bring Abd as captain.Let the legend concentrate on his game #SAvsENG

— Siddhu Manchikanti (@TravelwithSid) January 6, 2016

Take a bow, Hashim Amla! Your honesty and forthrightness is applauded. May you continue to be our greatest run machine ?

— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) January 6, 2016

#HashimAmla feeling the heat at the Press Conference. Media asking if decision was forced.

— Cllr Vernon Pillay (@VernonPillay) January 6, 2016

I'm pleased Hashim Amla has stepped down as #Proteas captain. His batting will go from strength to strength now.

— Graham (@Grayam32bn) January 6, 2016

https://twitter.com/CricketInsiders/status/684762920215953408

If Hashim #Amla's 201 was a sign of his form without the weight of captaincy, there's going to be another beard to be feared in 2016.

— Mark Baker (@1630revello) January 6, 2016

Well, Hashim Amla was reluctant to take the captaincy in the first place. His resignation does not come as a surprise. #SAvENG

— Ami (@KingMakonnen) January 6, 2016

"As a player if you're not good enough, you don't play. I feel somebody could add more value as #proteas captain" @amlahash

— Neal Collins (@nealcol) January 6, 2016

I bloody love Hashim Amla, he is a wonderful batsman to watch. I think this decision is a good, if strangely timed one. #Amla #cricket

— R E V A N T H (@mrevanth_kumar) January 6, 2016

. @amlahash explains his decision to step down as South Africa captain: pic.twitter.com/5r98qqQaGN

— PA Sport (@pasport) January 6, 2016

Domingo says criticism of Amla has been "very harsh…not enough respect shown for what he has achieved"

— Rory Dollard (@thervd) January 6, 2016

It is an honour to captain SA in any format. The captaincy has obviously come at short notice & is the realisation of a lifelong dream – AB

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 6, 2016