After a torrid time of late, Joe Root has made the decision to hand in his resignation as England skipper.
Root came under-fire following a horror show over the last year or so, with the misery being compounded following England's thrashing against old foes Australia in the Ashes, before they were defeated 1-0 by West Indies in their last Test series. His side lost 11 and won just once in their last 17 outings.
Following their dismal run of form, England are now rooted to the bottom of the World Test Championship table. And Root, who lost 26 times as skipper, had faced calls to resign from his post with England planning a complete overhaul of their Test set-up.
While he has decided the time was right to step down, Root will remain key to England's plans going forward thanks to his brilliance with the bat. But for now, the question will turn to who will take over as captain from the 31-year-old.
You can read Root's full statement right below...
"After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England Men’s Test captain. 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.
"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 want to take this opportunity to thank my family, Carrie, Alfred and Bella, who have lived it all with me and been incredible pillars of love and support throughout. All of the players, coaches and support staff that have helped me during my tenure. It has been a great privilege to have been with them on this journey.
"I would also like to thank all the England supporters for their unwavering support. We are lucky to have the best fans in the world, and wherever we play, that positivity is something we always cherish and admire, which is a huge drive for all of us out there.
"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."
Furthermore, ECB chief executive paid tribute to Root for his services as England skipper, saying: “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. 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.”
