Joe Root QUITS as England Test captain after series loss to West Indies stretches winless run to run to nine matches

Joe Root has stepped down from his role as England Test captain, calling it the ‘most challenging decision’ of his career.

The 31-year-old has quit as skipper on Friday morning, ending his time in the position that he’s held since 2017 when he replaced Sir Alastair Cook.

Pressure had been mounting on Root to leave his role especially after England’s 1-0 series defeat in the West Indies last month.

Initially Root vowed to carry on in the role but he has now had a change of heart.

Joe Root’s statement

‘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,” said Root, who has not stepped down as an England player.

‘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’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 am excited to continue representing the Three Lions and producing performances that will enable the team to succeed,’ Root added.

‘I look forward to helping the next captain, my team-mates and coaches in whatever way I can.’

England’s second-highest Test run scorer of all time, he led his country in a record 64 Tests and has overseen the most wins (27) but also the most defeats (26).

His tally of 5,295 runs as captain is the most by any England captain, and he scored 14 centuries while holding the position.

However, England have won one of their past 17 Tests, their worst run since the 1980s.

Ben Stokes, Root’s vice-captain, would be the most logical replacement but it is unclear if the England hierarchy will wish to burden their talismanic all-rounder with added responsibility.