Joe Root has resigned as the England men’s Test chief following a five-year tenure in the job.
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Pressure had based on the 31-year-old after a sweltering run of Test results, finishing in an Ashes whipping and ensuing loss in West Indies.
“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down,” said Root. “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.
Root’s renunciation comes all at once of tremendous disturbance in English cricket, with a power vacuum at the ECB following England’s series routs in the Ashes and against West Indies: the men’s group has no overseeing chief, no lead trainer, no selector and no Test commander.
Tom Harrison, the ECB’s chief executive, said Root had been “an exceptional role model during his tenure, balancing the demands of Test captaincy whilst continuing to shine brilliantly through his own personal performances”.
Root affirmed that he will keep on playing worldwide cricket and said he was “eager to keep… delivering exhibitions that will empower the group to succeed”. He added: “I anticipate helping the following chief, my partners and mentors in the manner in which I can.”
Ben Stokes, Root’s vice-captain, is the early favourite to succeed him as chief. Rory Burns, Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler are among different competitors. However none is sure of a spot in England’s best XI.
