South Africa’s AB de Villiers on Monday said he will step down as captain of the Test team. Cricket South Africa confirmed that Faf du Plessis would be the permanent Test captain of the side.

De Villiers had missed the recently concluded series against Australia due to an elbow injury. He has since been ruled out of the Proteas’ upcoming three match Test series against Sri Lanka. Du Plessis led the side in his absence.

“The interests of the team must always outweigh the interests of any individual, including me,” said De Villeirs, who will be out of action for three to four weeks due to injury.

“It was a fantastic honour for me to be asked to captain the Test side but I have missed two series and I am still in doubt for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Following the squad’s outstanding performances in Australia, it is clearly in the greater interests of the team that Faf du Plessis should be confirmed as the permanent Test captain,” he added.