Joe Root steps down as England Test captain with immediate effect

In what can be called a shocking decision, Joe Root has stepped down as England Test captain with immediate effect. Root’s decision came on the back of England’s horror run in the longest format of the game. While the right-handed batter has been phenomenal with the bat lately, the Three Lions have won just one of their last 17 Tests so far and this includes Test series defeats against Australia, West Indies, and New Zealand.

Owing to the same, his leadership role also came under the scanner. While Root had time and again emphasized that he’s the right man to take the England Test team forward, he has now taken a different decision. Root, while making the major announcement, revealed he made the decision after discussion with several close ones.

It has been the most challenging decision: Joe Root

“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England’s men’s Test captain,” Root said in an official statement issued by ECB. “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 added.

Notably, Root took over the reins from former opener Alaistair Cook in 2017 and led England in a total of 64 Tests, most for any skipper in the country. While he took his side to 27 wins, 26 times he was the losing skipper. “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,” stated Root.

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old has made it crystal clear that he’ll continue to serve the national team as a player. “I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can,” he added. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes, who has been serving as Root’s deputy, is the favourite to take over the reins of the Test side.