Joe Root Steps Down As England's Test Captain, Says Skipper Duty Took Toll On Personal Life

Joe Root Steps Down: Joe Root holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Men's Test captain.

Image: AFP

New Delhi: Joe Root, has decided to step down as captain of England's Test team. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) made the announcement on Friday. With this, Root has left a rich legacy of being the all-time highest run-scorer as the captain of England.

Joe Root holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Men's Test captain. His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan (26), Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss (24 each).

"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 a statement announcing his resignation from captaincy. 

"After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England Men’s Test captain," Joe Root said.

"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," his statement added.  

Root said that he felt immense pride to lead his country. "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. 

He also thanked his family. "I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, Carrie, Alfred and Bella, who have lived it all with me and been incredible pillars of love and support throughout."

Joe Root extended gratitude to the fans for supporting him. He added that he will continue playing cricket for England as a player.