Joe Root stepped down as England’s Test captain, the ECB announced on Friday. The 31-year-old led the side for five years and won 27 matches – most by any England Men’s Test captain. 

Root was pressurised by several former capatains to step down after England were thrashed 4-0 in the Ashes and then were defeated by the West Indies 1-0 in an away series. Announcing his decision, on ECB’s press release, Root said that he thinks this is the right time to quit.  

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“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,” Root said. 

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The Yorkshire player scored 5,295 runs at the post, which is the highest by any England captain. He made 14 centuries during the duration. 

“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.

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Joe Root managed to win Test series against South Africa, England and Sri Lanka. 

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“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,” he said.