Joe Root has stepped down as England Test captain with immediate effect, as confirmed by England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Root's resignation came after England's 0-4 capitulation in the Ashes followed by a 0-1 series defeat in the West Indies.
'After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England men's Test captain,' said Root.
Succeeding Alastair Cook in 2017, Root (27) surpassed Michael Vaughan's record for the highest number of Test wins for an English captain last year. However, in his last 17 Test matches as a captain, England managed only one win.
'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 added.
Ben Stokes, the current vice-captain, is touted as the favourite to step in the shoes vacated by Root.
'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,' Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said on Root's resignation.