Joe Root stepped down as England captain today after making the ‘most challenging decision of my career’.
Root was adamant after England’s loss in the Caribbean that he wanted to remain in charge, but with England winning only one of their last 17 Tests, he succumbed to the inevitable and offered his resignation to England today .
“After returning from the Caribbean and having had time to reflect, I have decided to step down as captain of England,” the 31-year-old said in an ECB statement.
“It has been the most challenging decision in my career, but after discussing it with my family and those closest to me, I know the time is right.
“I am very proud to have captained my country and I will look back on the last five years with great pride. It is an honor to do this job and to be the custodian of the pinnacle of English cricket.
‘I’ve loved leading my country, but it’s only recently hit home how much impact it has had on me and the impact it has had on me away from the sport.
“I am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and continue to deliver the performances that have enabled the team to succeed. I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in any way I can.
Joe Root has resigned as England’s Test captain following poor results in recent months
The 31-year-old was under a lot of pressure after England’s series loss in the West Indies
Root holds the record for most matches and wins as England’s men’s captain.
His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook and Sir Andrew Strauss, but he also lost 26 Tests, more than anyone else.
Root’s 5,295 runs while leading the team is more than any England captain and he scored 14 centuries and 26 half-centuries while in the position.
Now England face a lot of challenge to replace him. Ben Stokes is the only viable candidate in the current team, but he has strong reservations about hiring him, especially after he took a break from the game last year to protect his mental health.
There are few candidates outside the current squad but Sam Billings, James Vince and even Somerset’s Tom Abell could also come into the frame.
There may also be a chance for Stuart Broad to come out of exile to become a short-term option.
Ben Stokes (left) is the only viable replacement for Root in the current England squad
Root can focus on his batting after getting a rich vein of form for England recently
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said: ‘Joe has been an exceptional role model during his tenure, continuing to excel through his individual performances while balancing the demands of Test captaincy.
‘He has led by example, and this has resulted in more Test wins than any other England captain, as well as several famous series home and away victories.
‘Joe’s leadership qualities were exemplified in how he led the team through some of the most difficult and uncertain times playing during the worldwide pandemic, which speaks volumes to him as a leader and a person.
‘I know that every single person who has played or worked under Joe’s captaincy will speak as much of his honesty and humility as a person, as much as to his determination and example as a leader.
‘Off the field, that hasn’t been different. It is a privilege and a great pleasure to work with him as our Test captain, and I know he will continue to advance English cricket as a senior player, adding his experience and advice to support his successor. will offer. ,
The disappointing series defeat in the West Indies came hot on the heels of another Ashes debacle in Australia and a home defeat last year, all of which have seen England languish at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
England were knocked out by Australia after beating 4-0 during the Ashes series last winter
Root was appointed as the successor to Sir Alastair Cook in 2017, taking an early lead including a 4-1 home series win over India in 2018.
A 3-1 win over South Africa in 2020 was another highlight, as was a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka in early 2021.
But England’s form has since collapsed, putting Root under immense pressure to step down.
A decision will need to be made quickly on who will replace Root with England in action against New Zealand in early June.
Writing on Twitter, former England captain Michael Vaughan said: ‘He gave everything under his watch with very little support for the Red Ball team…Best role model of the game for many years…now many more Enjoy being the senior player for the season.’
Stokes paid tribute to Root on Instagram.
‘It’s been a wonderful ride with you my friend,’ he said. ‘It was a privilege to see one of my great teammates take the field. You have given everything to English cricket and we all want to thank you for your sacrifice and hard work.
Former England captain Michael Atherton told Sky Sports News, ‘I am not surprised. It had already reached a stage before the West Indies tour at the end of the Ashes, where it was clearly in need of a change.
There comes a moment in every England captain’s life when you realize you have given everything and you can’t do it anymore.
‘I think there was a special moment in the Grenada Test when Ben Fox was run out, the England team was slipping out and the cameras were looking at Joe Root on the England balcony with a look of despair and he realized that He should have actually stepped down at the end of the Ashes, seeing as how the Tour had gone.
‘They tried to salvage their captaincy by removing coach Chris Silverwood and the managing director, and leaving out a few senior players, but I think it was clear that Joe had come at the end of the road.’
Asked who could replace Root, Atherton said: ‘There aren’t many. You have to choose someone who deserves their place. Gone are the days when you could have the figure of Mike Brearley, someone who isn’t necessarily the first choice.
‘Because of the investigation, you should deserve your place on the side. Ben Stokes is in the clear, and what helps is that Joe Root has stepped down of his own accord.
‘Ben Stokes is very loyal to Joe and would feel very easy to take the job if Root is offered to step down of his own accord.’
Root pictured in the long room at Lord’s after being appointed captain back in 2017
Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior has congratulated Root for his success as captain, saying: ‘Sometimes in sport, results and performance – good and bad – can get in the way of a real person’s judgment. .
,[Root] First and foremost a great human being, and I can’t imagine how difficult this decision must have been for him.’
Yorkshire told Root they should be ‘very proud’. His club said: ‘Legends of England and Yorkshire. Lots of runs and wickets to come.
England’s supporters’ club The Barmy Army urged Root to ‘be our best batsman ever’, and commentator Charles Dagnall called his departure ‘inevitable after what happened this winter’.
Dagnall said: ‘The captaincy didn’t affect his form with the bat. He is absolutely vital to England’s future success. Best wishes to him and whoever takes over.
