Joe Root steps down as England's Test Captain

Joe Root has stepped down as England Test captain as per the statements from the Engliand and Wales Cricket Board. The resignation marks the end of Root's era that began in 2017, and saw him lead the Test side in most number of matches (65), and record the most wins in this format. England achieved quite a few historic victories under Root's captaincy- The 4-1 win in India in 2018, the 3-1 triumph against the Proteas on their homesoil in 2020 and many more. He also became the first English skipper to clinch a test series in Sri Lanka since 2001, a feat which he went on to repeat with a 2-0 win in 2021

However, Root abdicates after a tough 14 month incharge of the red ball side with multiple defeats to India home and away, a 0-4 embarrasment in Australia, non-success in the World Test Series, and most recently, a 0-1 loss in the three match series in West Indies, which eventually proved to the watershed moment for the 31 year old.

"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. "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."

Root at present is England's second highest Test run scorer of all time and has registered 14 centuries as the team's captain. His tally of 5295 runs as skipper is the highest by any England captain and puts him fifth in the all-time list behind Graeme Smith, Alan Border, Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli.

"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," said ECB Chief Executive Officer, Tom Harrison.

"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 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."