Joe Root resigns as England Test captain

Root holds the records for the most matches overseen and won as an England captain, but his last game in charge was the defeat by West Indies at Grenada, with his side having tasted victory just once in their last 17 Tests

Joe Root has resigned as captain of England's men's Test team.

His departure from the role comes after a disappointing winter, with his team having won just once in 17 Tests.

He holds the records for the most matches overseen and won as an England captain, but his last game in charge was the defeat by West Indies at Grenada.

Root, who explained that he had reflected on his position following the Caribbean tour, succeeded Alastair Cook in 2017 and earned memorable series wins at home to India in 2018 and away in South Africa in 2020. He also led his team to successive series victories in Sri Lanka.

"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," he 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 honour 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.

"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. All of the players, coaches and support staff that have helped me during my tenure. It has been a great privilege to have been with them on this journey.

^{Root's final game at the helm was the defeat by West Indies in Grenada (Gareth Copley/Getty Images)}

"I would also like to thank all the England supporters for their unwavering support. We are lucky to have the best fans in the world, and wherever we play, that positivity is something we always cherish and admire, which is a huge drive for all of us out there.

"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."

Ben Stokes has previously been touted as the most likely successor to Root, but much of the discussion in recent times has been around the shortage of appropriate alternatives.

Root, England's second-highest Test run-scorer, hit 14 hundreds as captain, while his tally of 5,295 runs in the role is the highest of any England skipper and fifth on the all-time list – behind only Graeme Smith, Allan Border, Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli.

Tom Harrison, the ECB's chief executive, added: "Joe has been an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances.

"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."