Joe Root steps down as England Test captain

Joe Root is regarded as one of the best batters in the Test format across the world at present. He took up the leadership duties of the England men’s Test team in February 2017. He became the sixth English player to score a century on captaincy debut.

Root has led England in 64 during his tenure and has won 27 of them. However, pressure has been building on Joe Root as a captain since England’s defeat against Australia in the Ashes by a margin of 4-0. He was put under more pressure as the Ashes defeat was followed by an away series loss against West Indies. In the last 17 tests under Root, England has won a single game. All these have probably culminated in the star English batter stepping down from the role. As per his successor to the role, Ben Stokes’ name has come up in reports.

As reported by Sporstar, while speaking on his decision, Root said – “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 honor 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 said in his statement.

Root succeeded Alistair Cook in the role. He led the Three Lions to crucial series wins over India at home in 2018 and over South Africa in 2020. He also led his team to the first test win in Sri Lanka in 2018 after 2001.  His record of 27 test wins as a captain makes him the most successful test captain of England.

On continuing as a player for England, Root stated – “I am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and producing performances that will enable the team to succeed. I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can.”