AB de Villiers steps down as South Africa ODI captain

AB de Villiers has stepped down as captain of South Africa's One-Day International team, while announcing his availability for all formats including Tests from mid-October, after months of speculation over his future in the longest format.

"A lot has been said and written over the past 12 months, and I feel it is time to make my position absolutely clear," he was quoted as saying in a release from Cricket South Africa on Wednesday (August 23). "Over the past year or so, I have tried to manage many commitments. I have felt mentally and physically tired; my wife and I are bringing up two fantastic kids and playing in all three formats ever since 2004 has taken its toll.

"Faf du Plessis has proved to be an outstanding captain of the T20 and Test teams, and bearing this in mind, I have informed Cricket South Africa that I would like to step down as captain of the ODI team. It has been an honour to lead the team for the past six years, but it is now time for someone else to take the ODI side forward. Whoever is chosen as the new ODI captain will have my complete support."

The prolific batsman led South Africa in 103 ODIs since 2012, with a win percentage of 60.10% under his belt. It included a run to the semifinal in the World Cup 2015, but a group-stage exit in the Champions Trophy earlier this year led to doubts over his future as the leader of the ODI side.

Though it's yet to be announced formally, du Plessis is expected to take over the reins from De Villiers in the one-day format.

De Villiers's confirmation over his availability in Test cricket should however provide some relief to the South African fans, who have seen their side struggle in the format in recent times. In its last tour to England, South Africa suffered a 1-3 loss in a four-Test series.

"Together with Cricket South Africa, we have tried to develop a viable schedule which allows me to prolong my career for as long as possible,” said de Villiers.

"This strategy has prompted some people to say I am picking and choosing when to play for the Proteas, and even to suggest I am somehow putting myself before the team. That is simply not true. That has never been true. Playing for South Africa is, and will always be, the greatest privilege of my life."

De Villiers has played 106 Tests so far, and racked up 8074 runs at an average of 50.46, with an unbeaten knock of 278 against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2010 being his highest score in the format. He has 21 centuries and 39 fifties in the format.

De Villiers also led South Africa in two home Tests against England in 2016 before handing over the responsibility to du Plessis.

A troublesome elbow injury saw him miss a number of Tests in recent months, after playing 96 matches in the format without missing a single one since his debut against England in Bloemfontein in February, 2005. De Villiers played his last Test in January, 2016, against England in Centurion.

"Following this recent break, I really do feel refreshed and revived," he added. "I want to get back on the field and I have today assured the national selectors that I will be available for selection in all three formats of the game during the coming season."