AB de Villiers steps down as Test captain
AB de Villiers has stepped down as Proteas Test captain with immediate effect.
He has been ruled out of the three Tests against Sri Lanka as he continues to recover from elbow surgery.
Faf du Plessis is set to take over permanently.
Commenting on his decision, De Villiers says the interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual.
"It was a fantastic honour for me to be asked to captain the Test side but I have missed two series and I am still in doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
"Following the squad's outstanding performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confirmed as the permanent Test captain."
Trevor Cramer spoke to Cricket South Africa's Haroon Lorgat.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee, explains: "AB's left elbow is much improved but is still regaining the last few degrees of straightening. Fitness to play requires a full range of elbow movement and this may take another 3-4 weeks to achieve.
"He will be unavailable for the Test series against Sri Lanka and will target a return for the Momentum ODI series starting at the end of January."
The Proteas Test squad for the Sri Lanka series will be announced later this week.