Joe Root has resigned as England’s Test captain following a record-breaking five-year stint at the helm.
Root took over from Alastair Cook in 2017, and presided over 27 Test victories as skipper, breaking the previous record of 26 set by Michael Vaughan’s teams.
England recorded series wins against India, South Africa and Sri Lanka during Root’s time as skipper, including a first series win in Sri Lanka since 2001.
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However, despite his successful run, England struggled in recent away series defeats to Australia and the West Indies, bringing Root’s time in charge to an end.
“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England Men’s Test captain,” Root said in a statement.
“It has been the most challenging decision I have had to make in my career but having discussed this with my family and those closest to me; I know the timing is right.
“I am immensely proud to have captained my country and will look back on the past five years with enormous pride. It has been an honour to have done the job and to have been a custodian of what is the pinnacle of English cricket.
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“I have loved leading my country, but recently it’s hit home how much of a toll it has taken on me and the impact it has had on me away from the game.
“I am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and producing performances that will enable the team to succeed. I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can.”
It remains unclear at this stage who Root’s successor will be, with star all-rounder Ben Stokes widely considered to be the leading contender to be England’s next Test captain.
“Joe has been an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances,” ECB CEO, Tom Harrison, said.
“He has led by example, and that has resulted in more Test wins than any other England captain, alongside a number of famous series home and away victories.
“Joe’s leadership qualities were exemplified by how he led the team through some of the most difficult and uncertain times we have known, playing during the pandemic all over the world, which speaks volumes for him as a leader and as a person.
“I know that every single person who has played or worked under Joe’s captaincy will speak of his integrity and humility as a person, as much as his determination and example as a leader.
“Off the field, Joe has been no different. It has been a privilege and a huge pleasure to have worked with him in his capacity as our Men’s Test captain, and I know he’ll continue to drive English cricket forward as a senior player, offering his wealth of experience and advice to support his successor.”