South Africa appoint AB de Villiers Test captain on permanent basis

AB de Villiers has been appointed South Africa Test captain on a permanent basis.

De Villiers stepped into the role midway through the 2-1 Test series defeat to England but his subsequent form, including a pair in the final match at Centurion last week, was below his established standards as one of the world's finest batsman.

It was nonetheless announced, following a Cricket South Africa board meeting on Friday, that the 31-year-old will lead the Test team for the foreseeable future.

"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," de Villiers said.

"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."

De Villiers, who will also lead the Proteas in the five-match one-day international series against England, starting next week, live and exclusive on Sky Sports, is optimistic about the future of South African cricket.

"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," he said.

"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 (CSA) and the people of our rainbow nation."

CSA chief executive Haroon Lorgat added: "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 him to take charge of the team."

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