Joe Root has stepped down as England Test captain following their recent series defeat to the West Indies.
Root had come under fire following the loss and the 31-year-old has now decided to resign, saying: "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 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 has 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 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."
With England now needing to appoint a new skipper ahead of a busy summer of Test cricket which will get underway on June 2 against New Zealand, Mirror Sport has taken a look at five potential candidates.
Ben Stokes
The only real viable alternative to Root as captain due to his guaranteed selection in every team if fit. Commands total respect from the players due not only to his Test performances so far in his career but for the way he goes about things.
He sets the standard in training and is a man others have long followed into the contest. Has captained England before and by dropping Stuart Broad before the game showed he is not shy of doing the tough jobs.
Stuart Broad
Could do a job as England captain for a limited period until another potential leader emerges. At 35 won’t have a huge time in the role, but has both the experience and cricket nous to make a decent fist of captaincy.
Has experience of leadership as a previous England T20 captain, and Aussie Pat Cummins is showing that fast bowlers can do the job if they stay fit.
Moeen Ali
Could he be persuaded out of Test retirement to take charge and lead the team the way he sees fit? A hugely respected figure in the dressing room and has experience of captaining England in white ball cricket.
Has a rounded view of the game and is an empathetic character who could get the best out of players and would be a ready made wicket-taking spinner for the side.
Rory Burns
Although recently dropped from the side, he has done an admirable job as Surrey captain since he was appointed in 2018, leading them to their first County Championship title in 16 years. Despite his struggles in Australia this winter, he has the best record of any opener England have tried over the last decade aside from Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook.
However, while a recall to the side at some point this summer would not come as a surprise, handing him the captaincy would certainly come as a shock. As such, he remains a more left-field suggestion despite his leadership credentials.
Sam Billings
Another left-field option but one with plenty of captaincy experience, having been named Kent skipper back in 2018. Made his Test debut as an injury replacement for Jos Buttler during the Ashes but was overlooked in the Caribbean with Ben Foakes preferred.
Has spoken of his desire to earn a recall and recently touted his "leadership experience" as an attribute he feels can help him get back in the side.
