Joe Root Steps Down as England Test Captain

Joe Root
Joe Root

Joe Root stepped down as captain of the England Test cricket team on Friday(April 15) after leading the side for five years.

Joe Root Steps Down as England Test Captain

His resignation came off the back of debacles in the Ashes and the three-match series against the West Indies.

Under Root’s leadership, England lost the Ashes series 0-4 at the start of this year and then followed it up with another shocking result against world number eight side West Indies last month. The Man in Maroon won the third Test by a ten-wicket margin, securing the Wisden Trophy.

Root took over the baton from Sir Alastair Cook in 2017 and led the side in 64 Tests. He is England’s most-capped Test captain in history and won 27 matches and suffered defeat in another 26. He ended with a win percentage of 42.18 during his five years in charge.

In the last 18 Tests under Root’s captaincy, England could only manage to win two and lose 11. And both of the wins during that period were against India.

Root and Co defeated Virat Kohli’s side in the first Test of the four-match series at MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on February 5–9, 2021 by 227 runs, and then in the third Test of the five-match series at Headingly in Leeds on August 25–28, they bounced back with an innings and 76 run victory over India.

Joe Root
Joe Root
During his tenure, Root made headlines for memorable victories such as a 4-1 win over India at home in 2018, a 3-1 win away to South Africa in 2019-20, and a Test series win in Sri Lanka twice.
“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. 
“I would also like to thank all the England supporters for their unwavering support. 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,” Root said in the statement.
During his reign, Root amassed 5,295 Test runs, including 14 centuries, to become England’s most prolific run-scorer as captain. However, the leadership had started to take a toll on Root, impacting him during his time away from the game.
Ex-England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain were among former stars of the sport who had said it was time for Root to step down.

Joe Root’s Record as England Test Captain

Most Matches 64
Most Wins 27
Most Losses 26
Most Runs 5295
Most 100s 14
Most 50s 26
Most Catches 87

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