Joe Root‘s decision to step down from England men’s Test captaincy has received mixed reactions from the cricketing circles. Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh said that though Root has been a tremendous “role model” for cricketers, he felt England needed a new skipper as the 31-year-old “lacked a feel for the game.” 

“There’s no doubt about it @root66 is a top-quality player and human being and role model for up-and-coming English cricketers but I feel England do need a new captain despite limited choices. Joe lacked a feel for the game and was not willing to take a risk to win a game,” Waugh tweeted.

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On Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Root will be stepping down from England men’s Test captaincy after leading the side for five years.

“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 gam,” Root said. 

Also Read: Game’s best role model: Michael Vaughan after Joe Root quits captaincy

The decision was made after England’s poor performance in the Ashes series as well as the West Indies tour. 

“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England 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,” he added.