Joe Root on Friday stepped down as England’s Test captain, bringing an finish to a topsy-turvy stint that started when he changed Sir Alastair Cook in 2017. Root finish his tenure as probably the most profitable England Test captain of their celebrated historical past however the Three Lions had been struggling to notch up victories on a constant foundation dwelling and away beneath the World No. 4 Test batter.
ECB have not but named 31-year-old Root’s substitute as England’s Test captain however Ben Stokes is the entrance runner for the function.
Joe Root’s resolution comes after England had been hammered 0-4 by Australia within the Ashes earlier this 12 months Down Under and 0-1 in opposition to West Indies in a recently-completed tour of the Caribbean. In the aftermath of the 10-wicket defeat within the third Test in Grenada, Root had stated he wished to hold on and lead England out of the stoop however the Test batting star appears to have had a change of thoughts.
England managed only one victory of their final 17 Tests, which led to the sacking of a number of members of the administration and help employees, together with former England crew director Ashley Giles and head coach Chris Silverwood.
However, a number of former cricketers backed Root to proceed as captain, saying he was the appropriate man for the high-pressure function.
TIMING IS RIGHT: ROOT
“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 stated in an announcement from the ECB.
“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’ve beloved main my nation, however not too long ago it is hit dwelling how a lot of a toll it has taken on me and the influence it has had on me away from the sport,” he said.
ROOT HUNGRY FOR MORE
Root holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Men’s Test captain. His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan (26), Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss (24 each).
While Root’s tactics as captain were questioned over the last 12 months, his performances with the bat was never a concern. As captain, Root hit 5295 runs in 64 Tests at an average of 46.44 including 14 hundreds and 26 fifties.
Root confirmed that he would continue to represent the England side and helping ease the next captain into the role.
“I’m excited to proceed representing the Three Lions and producing performances that can allow the crew to succeed. I look ahead to serving to the subsequent captain, my teammates and coaches in no matter means I can,” Root stated.
Tom Harrison, ECB chief government, lauded Root for main the facet throughout attempting occasions and highlighted the respect that the star batter earned from his teammates.
“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,” Harrison said.
“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 Men’s 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.”
