Joe Root has left his position as England Men’s Test captain, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Friday (April 15).

Root had come under the scanner after England’s 4-0 drubbing in the Ashes 2021-22. However, he was retained as captain for the subsequent West Indies Test tour, where England suffered a 1-0 defeat in the three-match series.

“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 said in a statement issued by ECB.

"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.  

"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,” he added.

Joe Root also thanked the England fans for their constant support and confirmed that he will continue to represent the Three Lions as a player.

"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," he concluded.

Root holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Men's Test captain. His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan (26), Sir Alastair Cook, and Sir Andrew Strauss (24 each).

After being appointed Test captain in 2017, Root led England to a number of famous series victories, including a 4-1 home series win over India in 2018 and a 3-1 triumph away to South Africa in 2020. In 2018, he became the first England Men's Captain to win a Test series in Sri Lanka since 2001 and replicated the feat with a 2-0 victory in the island nation in 2021.

(With ECB inputs)