Prolific batsman Hashim Amla in a surprise move on Wednesday stepped down as South Africa captain after the end of the second cricket Test against England that was drawn here.
Amla, who had been facing criticism of his leadership after losing the Indian series 0-3 and then the first match against England, did answer back with a double century (201) at Newlands but decided to step down as skipper.
ODI captain AB de Villiers will lead the Proteas side in the remaining two matches.
Amla was named as Graeme Smith's replacement as captain in mid-2014 and this was his sixth series in charge. After winning his first three rubber's against Sri lanka, Zimbabwe and West Indies, he oversaw a rain-affected drawn series against Bangladesh and then his team's first overseas defeat in nine years in India.
"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," Amla said.
"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 my successor."
"I have chatted to some of the guys in the team so I don't think it will come as a surprise," he said. "AB is very able and a brilliant captain."
Test ends in a draw
England were given a scare before the second Test against South Africa ended in a draw on the fifth and final day of the Test at Newlands stadium on Wednesday.
Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali negotiated the rest of the afternoon and England were on 159 for six when play was called off for bad light 15 minutes after tea and abandoned 45 minutes later. England will take a one-lead into the third Test of the four-match series, starting in Johannesburg on January 14 but South Africa will take heart from a strong fightback with both bat and ball after taking a battering in England's first innings.
Inspired by Ben Stokes' 258, England made 629 for six declared but South Africa batted solidly to reply with 627 declared, led by captain Hashim Amla's 201.