Captain Faf du Plessis has sincerely expressed gratitude to Proteas batsman Hashim Amla, who ended a 15-year international career this week.

Amla has retired as South Africa’s second- and third-highest run-scorer in Test and ODI cricket, respectively. He will remain available for selection in domestic cricket and play in the 2019 Mzansi Super League.

‘The father figure of our team. So much wisdom, so much humility, always a smile on your face and has been the rock of the batting line-up for as long as I can remember,’ Du Plessis wrote on Twitter.

‘Well done on your legendary career, bud. Thank you. We are definitely going to miss you.’

Du Plessis, meanwhile, has been retained as Test captain, and will have Lions head coach Enoch Nkwe as team director for September and October’s tour of India. The tour will comprise three T20Is and as many Tests.

Nkwe’s appointment follows Cricket South Africa’s decision to not renew head coach Ottis Gibson’s contract. The head coach and team manager positions have since been dissolved and a team director introduced.

‘We are pleased to announce Enoch as the interim team director of the Proteas for the tour to India. His appointment is as a result of his merits and balanced approach and is someone who complements the direction that will be taken by the team going forward,’ added acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl.

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