The public outcry finally caught up as Joe Root relinquished his position as the England Test captain with immediate effect. The player has been under constant scrutiny for his team’s disastrous performance in the last year in particular.
He recently lost the support of his predecessors, who called for him to step down, having lost the series against West Indies.
The 31-year-old had insisted after the loss in the Caribbean that he will continue as the skipper and that there were some positives in their 1-0 series loss against the hosts. After returning home to his family, Root has changed his mind and decided to step down.
“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England’s 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.
“I had 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.
Root’s resignation comes at a time when English cricket is in turmoil, following humiliating defeats in the Ashes and against West Indies. Currently, England men’s Test team does not have a managing director, head coach, selector or captain.
Root confirmed he will continue to play international cricket for England and offered his support to the next captain. Ben Stokes, the current vice-captain, is the favourite to take over the role, but his injury history could be a concern. Jonny Bairstow also has a decent shot. Jos Buttler, Rory Burns and Stuart Broad are among the other options, but they were recently axed from the side.
Root had taken over the captaincy in 2017 after Alastair Cook’s resignation. A home series victory against India in 2018 and South Africa away in 2019/20 were the highlights of his reign. He led the side in the most 64 Tests and has the most 27 wins and 26 defeats.
