Root quits as England Test captain after Ashes and Windies setbacks

LONDON: Joe Root resigned as England’s Test captain on Friday after a rollercoaster fiveyear term that ended in a torrid run of results including an Ashes drubbing and defeat in the West Indies. The Yorkshireman, appointed as Alastair Cook’s successor in 2017, holds the record for the most matches and most wins as England skipper, but he also has the unwanted record for most defeats.

The 31-yearold led his side to a number of notable series victories, including a 4-1 home win over India in 2018 and a 3-1 triumph away to South Africa in 2019/20.

But the past 12 months have been dismal. After winning their opening three Tests of 2021, England have tasted victory just one since, losing 11 and drawing five of their past 17.

Root’s decision comes after last month’s 1-0 Test series defeat to West Indies, which followed a humiliating 4-0 Ashes loss in Australia -- the second 4-0 defeat in Australia under his leadership.

“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 in a statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“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.”

Root, who initially said he wanted to stay on as skipper after defeat in the West Indies, led England in a record 64 Tests and has overseen 27 wins and 26 defeats. The batsman, England’s second-highest Test run scorer of all time behind Cook, scored 14 centuries as captain. His tally of 5,295 runs as skipper is the highest by any England captain and puts him fifth on the all-time list behind Graeme Smith, Alan Border, Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli.

“I am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and producing enable the team to succeed,” said Root, fourth in the Test batting world rankings.