Joe Root resigns, steps down as England’s test captain

After a poor run of results, Joe Root has decided to relieve himself of the test captaincy.

Joe Root took over captaincy from Sir Alastiar Cook in 2017. He went on to win record number of matches as an England captain in his 5 year stint.

Unfortunately, he also holds the record for the most number of losses. Recently, he and his team were humiliated down under in the Ashes and lost in the Caribbean to West Indies.

This proved to be the final nail in the coffin as Joe Root has resigned from the role of captaincy.

Since 2017, England has 27 victories, which is more than Michael Vaughan(26), Sir Alastair Cook(24).

But, in the previous 17 matches, Joe Root and England have just a single win. This has seen them to the bottom of the World Test Championship table.

“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,” Root said.

“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.” added Root.

Ben Stokes, England Vice Captain has been pipped by many to become the new Captain.

“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,” Tom Harrison said.

Tom Harrison is ECB’s chief executive.

“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,” Harrison added.