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England batter Joe Root has decided to step down from Test captaincy with immediate effect. The news was confirmed as a statement was released by England Cricket Board. The Yorkshireman holds the record for the most Tests wins as England captain(63). He also has the record for the most Test wins with 27 but also holds the record for the most Test losses (25).
"After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England's men's Test captain," Root's stated. "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”, he added.
"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 had 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, " he continued.
Root has also affirmed that he will continue playing and said, "excited to continue… producing performances that will enable the team to succeed". He added: "I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can."
"Joe's leadership qualities were exemplified," Tom Harrison
ECB's chief executive Tom Harrison expressed his thoughts on Root’s decision and said that he had done "an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances".
"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 added.
"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 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."