South African batsman Hashim Amla has tendered his resignation from the Test captaincy after the completion of the second Test against England in Cape Town which ended in a draw.

Hashim Amla was appointed the South African captain in the middle of 2014 after the retirement of their  skipper Graeme Smith, who led the team in a record 108 matches.

Under the captaincy of Amla, South Africa played 14 Tests and managed to win four and lost as many matches while managing to draw six games.

Hashim Amla has come in for criticism of his leadership since the start of the series but had returned to form with the bat with 201. 

In a statement, Amla said: "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.

"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 shown as my successor."

Hashim Amla said that he had begun to think about stepping down two weeks ago, before the start of the series against England. South Africa are currently 1-0 down, after defeat in Durban and a draw in Cape Town.

"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."

"He still has a huge role to play in shaping the success of our team without the need for a leadership title. He is just that type of a person and we are very fortunate to have him in our stable.

"I want to thank AB for readily accepting the challenge of rebuilding our Test team as we seek to remain the best team in the world."

AB de Villiers will be leading South Africa in the remaining two games of series