Andrew Strauss retires from all cricket

As expected, Andrew Strauss has stepped down as England Test captain and has also retired from all forms of cricket. Alastair Cook replaces him as Test captain. 

Strauss, 35, led England in 50 Tests, leading them to No.1 in the world and twice beating Australia along the way. He also played in 100 Tests, 127 ODIs and 4 T20I. He made his England debut in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 2003 and made a famous Test debut against New Zealand at Lord's the following year, scoring a century. He finishes with 21 Test centuries, the joint-third most by an Englishman. 

"After much thought over the last few weeks, I have decided to step down as England Test captain and announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," he says. "It has clearly been a tough decision to  make, but I believe that it is both in the best interests of the England cricket team and myself to step down.

"I would like to thank all the Middlesex and England players I have played alongside, as well as the phenomenal coaches and support staff with whom I have been fortunate enough to work with. Particular mention has to go to Andy Flower and Duncan Fletcher in that regard. It would also be remiss of me not to thank Middlesex CCC, the ECB and the PCA for their support and guidance over the years.

"I am extremely proud of everything I have achieved as a cricketer, and I have found myself very fortunate to play in an era when some of English cricket's greatest moments have occurred. I have loved every minute of it. All that remains is for me to wish Andy, Alastair and the rest of the team the very best for the coming months."

Alastair Cook, who has led England in 30 ODIs, paid tribute to Strauss and said: "I'm very excited by this new challenge, it is a huge honour to be appointed Test captain and am very much looking forward to captaining the side in India this winter."

Date: 29/08/2012 12:07:47 by DBrigham
In: Worcestershire | Today | Middlesex | England |