Joe Root stepped down as the captain of England’s test cricket on Friday, concluding his five-year stint in a position that was becoming more challenging due to the long streak of series losses, including a 4-0 loss in the Ashes during the winter. “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 stated.
Root quits his position holding records for the highest number of victories in his time as England test captain – 27. But, his captaincy position has been questioned, as England only winning one of its 17 test matches, the worst run for the country since the 1980s.
The loss in Australia England’s largest adversary, was followed up in the last month by the loss of a series 1-0 to Australia’s West Indies. This was the fourth series of losses in a row and could become five unless England are able to defeat India during July’s remaining test of their unfinished series last year.
“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,” said Root who was appointed the captain’s role from Alastair Cook in the year 2017.
Root stated that he would like to play for England and for whom they are the country’s second-highest run-scorer in test cricket after Cook. The men’s England team is not just without a captain, but as well as a director and coach of cricket following leaving Chris Silverwood and Ashley Giles respectively following the Ashes.
Ben Stokes will be among those who are most likely to replace as captain, even though the all-rounder is just returning to the squad after an absence due to mental health reasons.