Hashim Amla has been confirmed as the new captain of South Africa's Test side.

The 31-year-old batsman has replaced Graeme Smith, who retired in March following a 10-year spell as skipper.

Smith guided the Proteas in a world-record 109 Tests after being appointed captain a decade ago.

AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis had both been among the candidates to succeed Smith, but the Cricket South Africa board has chosen Amla.

Amla's first involvement as South Africa captain will be a two-Test series in Sri Lanka next month.