Proteas director of cricket Graeme Smith believes Dean Elgar is die regte man to lead the national Test team into battle.
Quinton de Kock stood in after Faf du Plessis stepped down from the five-day leadership early last year, with a permanent appointment, Elgar, only being made last week.
Smith and his selectors het die storie mooi deurgekyk before making a decision and of naming the 33-year-old Elgar, Smith says: “I think there were a number of things we wanted to see.
“We took a decision not to mess in the space. We have been trying to find leaders and see who performs over the summer.
“I think everyone in the environment wanted to be confident to reach that place where we had the right clarity to move forward with the right people.
“I think over time that it has become clearer Dean is the right man and it is common sense. I think we have reached the right decision now and with a new cycle of the Test championship about to begin, we feel it is the right time to back him.”
Of his appointment, Elgar says: “It is a massive responsibility. I know it’s going to be an almighty challenge and an exciting challenge.”
He adds of stabilising the team: “It is not an ideal situation that we have had over the last season or two. I think going forward at least we know that I have the job for two years and we can build on that.
“I think the Proteas brand and the players deserve that opportunity to have someone come in and give them a bit more clarity and a bit more assurance and stability going forward.”