VICE PRESIDENT AMLA STEPS DOWN - TAKES T20 BREAK

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed that Hashim Amla has stepped down as vice-captain to AB de Villiers in One-Day and Twenty20 International cricket.

The move comes after Amla decided against taking over the captaincy during the ODI series against New Zealand earlier this year to focus on his batting.

He said: "It is unfair of me to wear the vice-captaincy cap if I am uncomfortable of taking over from AB when I am needed. Captaincy has always been an exploratory area of my cricket but after being at the helm for three ODI’s and a few T20’s I feel it’s time to groom a successor who has leadership potential.

"It has been a privilege to lead my country on the occasions that I have been captain, but I look forward to contributing to the team as a batsman. I will continue to play my part as an advisor in the team and will remain active on the field as a senior player."

Amla led the Proteas in two Twenty20 Internationals and three ODIs against Australia as well as five unofficial Twenty20 matches against Zimbabwe.

He has also decided to take a sabbatical from Twenty20 International cricket for the remainder of 2013.

"I’ve requested to take a sabbatical from International T20 cricket for the year," he said. "My decision was influenced by the hectic international schedule and this will give me more room to manage my time between the formats more constructively.

"T20 cricket remains a format that I enjoy, and I hope I can make meaningful contributions domestically when I have the opportunity while continuing to harness my T20 game. I still have hopes of playing for South Africa in the future and will re-visit the decision at a later stage."