JOE ROOT announced that he will be stepping down as England's Test captain. He said the responsibility had taken its toll.
Root's decision follows the defeat of West Indies in the 1-0 Test series and Australia's loss in the winter 4-0 Ashes.
Joe Root's time in England as captain of England is over
Root stated that he had taken time to reflect after returning from the Caribbean tour, and decided to resign as England men's Test captain.
"It was the hardest decision I have ever made in my career, but after talking with my family members and my closest friends, I feel that the timing is perfect.
"I feel immensely proud to have captained my nation and will remember the past five years with immense pride." It was an honor to do the job and be a custodian for what is the pinnacle English cricket.
Root, 31 years old, holds the record for England's Test captain with 27 wins. This puts him one ahead Michael Vaughan, three ahead Sir Alastair Cook, and three ahead Sir Andrew Strauss.
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The past twelve months have been disappointing. England has lost just one of the last 12 months, after winning their first three Tests in 2021.
Root is not the only one who has paid a heavy price. England will be without a head coach, captain or managing director, while the England and Wales Cricket Board searches for a new chair.
Root said: "I love leading my country. But recently, it's hit me how much of an impact it has taken on and how much it has affected me away from the game."
Root's 5,295 runs as captain are the most of any England captain. He also scored 14 centuries during his time in that role.
Root is not being replaced by an obvious candidate, so bookmakers have Stuart Broad, Sam Billings, and Jonny Bairstow.
Ben Stokes will be the favourite for the job, but he was forced to leave the game last summer due to mental health issues. This could have made it impossible for him to become skipper.
Root was captain for 14 centuries
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