The 31-year-old, who succeeded Sir Alastair Cook as captain in 2017 finally ended his tenure with the most matches (64) and wins (27) as an England Test skipper. The decision was pending as England only won one test match out of 17, stretching back to February 2021, which ended with a series of defeats in the West Indies last month.
“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 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.”
There has been a success for him in his run as a captain, winning a 4-1 home series over India in 2018 and away triumphs against South Africa and Sri Lanka. The setback for Root was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where the players were rotated due to fears over the mental health impact of the playing series while living in a bio-secure bubble.
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: “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.”
Root’s resignation follows the sacking of the England men’s cricket managing director Ashley Giles and head coach Chris Silverwood, the pair was dismissed before the West Indies tour after a humbling 4-0 Ashes defeat in Australia over the winder.
Ben Strokes the vice-captain is most likely the replacement for Joe Root but Broad is also on the table for the role.
