Joe Root has resigned as England men’s Test captain following winter series defeats to Australia and the West Indies.
While Root has been in superb form as a batsman, his England side have won just one of their last 17 Tests, culminating in the 4-0 Ashes hammering Down Under and last month’s 1-0 defeat in the Caribbean.
Root, who has captained England in more matches and to both more victories and more defeats than any previous Test skipper, had indicated after both series that he intended to continue in his role and lead the side through a so-called ‘red ball reset’, but has now stepped aside.
In a statement, Root said: “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.
“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 inherited the captaincy from Alastair Cook in 2017 and scored a century in his first match as full-time skipper, against South Africa at Lord’s in July.
However, England were thrashed 4-0 in that winter’s Ashes series in Australia and though the following summer brought a superb 4-1 victory over India, Root’s men failed to regain the Urn on home soil in 2019, when the series was drawn 2-2 in the aftermath of England’s ODI World Cup win.
After the pandemic disruption of 2020, Root enjoyed a prolific 2021 with the bat, racking up 1708 runs - the third-most ever in a calendar year - and scoring six centuries to take his tally as captain to 14, the most of any Englishman.
The Yorkshire batter became the first England captain in more than a century to lead England into a second away Ashes series this winter, but the result was another 4-0 hammering, which immediately cost head coach Chris Silverwood, batting coach Graeme Thorpe and managing director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles their jobs.
Root survived that cull but came under renewed pressure after defeat in the West Indies, a series for which senior bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were both controversially left at home.
“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,” Root’s statement continued.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank my family, Carrie, Alfred and Bella, who have lived it all with me and been incredible pillars of love and support throughout. All of the players, coaches and support staff that have helped me during my tenure. It has been a great privilege to have been with them on this journey.”
England are yet to announce permanent replacements for any of Giles, Thorpe or Silverwood and also remain without a national selector after Ed Smith’s position was effectively made redundant and his responsibilities handed to Silverwood last year.
The current power vacuum extends to the ECB more broadly, with the body in need of a new chair and, when Tom Harrison moves on later this year, a new CEO as well.
It was presumed that discussions over Root’s future would take place once a new management structure was in place but the 31-year-old has instead taken matters into his own hands.
“I would also like to thank all the England supporters for their unwavering support,” he continued. “We are lucky to have the best fans in the world, and wherever we play, that positivity is something we always cherish and admire, which is a huge drive for all of us out there.
“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.”
