The veteran English batter, Joe Root has decided to resign as the captain of England’s Test team with immediate effect after serving the role for five years. Pressure had been mounting on Root as England lost the Ashes and the following Test series in West Indies. He took over the captaincy reins from Alastair Cook in 2017 and led England in 64 Tests, winning 27, making him the most successful English Test skipper.
Announcing his resignation, Joe Root said, “After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England’s men’s Test captain. 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.”
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He further 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.”
And we have been proud of you, @root66 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2CvKzi1NgI
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) April 15, 2022
Joe Root was beginning to get the stick, more so for the fact that England have won just one of their previous 17 Test. While There is no concern over Root’s batting form, it’s his leadership that has come under scrutiny. As for the next Test skipper, it is likely that Ben Stokes will succeed Root, who has confirmed that he will continue to play and give his best for England cricket.
Describing the same, Joe Root said, “I am excited to continue representing the [team] 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.”
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ECB’s chief executive Tom Harrison paid tribute to Root the captain and lauded him for being an “an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances”.
