In a tragic development for English cricket, Joe Root, the man who has almost single-handedly led the charge for the English Test team ever since Alistair Cook stepped down from the pedestal called it a day as the captain of England.
The 31-year-old batting virtuoso took over the leadership reins in 2017 and forged an enviable legacy that would read 64 matches as a skipper and 27 Test wins. Sadly, for England it has been a rough patch as they have secured just 1 win in their last 17 Test matches. It all started in February 2021.
Root was heard quoting in a statement, “After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England men’s Test captain.”
He further added, “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.”
“Immensely Proud to have captained” – Joe Root
The batter continued, “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.”
He concluded on a sad note, citing, “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. I look forward to helping the next captain, my teammates and coaches in whatever way I can”, he quoted.
Definitely now the most obvious question is who would be the next English captain as they undergo one of the toughest phases in their cricketing folklore. There isn’t much experience in the side and it may be a possibility that Ben Stokes can be summoned for the role but the all-rounder hasn’t really found his stride of late.
The English fans took to Twitter to express their gratitude about the English skipper’s solitary war that would see him wreaking countless havoc with the willow only for his efforts to go down the drain after his team failed to deliver.
Joe Root had as hard as any of his predecessors, whilst still managing to remain one of the best Test Match batters out there..
Probably wanted to stay on as captain but pleased he's gone out on his own terms.. 👏👏👏#JoeRoot #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/Cs3EHJXGlg
— Length Does Matter – Cricket Podcast (@LengthDoes) April 15, 2022
#JOEROOT steps down from test captaincy.#englandcricket pic.twitter.com/ATcogc2laK
— CRICKET CANNON (@cricketcannon) April 15, 2022
England men’s cricket have no captain, coach or director of cricket and their leadership is still stronger / more trustworthy than that of the government #joeroot #englandcricket #conservatives
— Georgie Heath (@GeorgieHeath27) April 15, 2022
Official: #joeroot has Stepped Down As England Captain. I wish him the best After his departure from the role. Is this The Rebirth of English Cricket? pic.twitter.com/vPgjp4dVdm
— Joe Thompson (@CricketerCenter) April 15, 2022
Joe Root steps down because so many others never stepped up. @root66 thanks for everything #joeroot𓃵 #joeroot https://t.co/qTQsHBvaD6
— David Barker (@David_Barker1) April 15, 2022
Amazing captain, fantastic cricketer. Made us proud so many times & will continue to do so #JoeRoot https://t.co/kmSHkIdZPU
— Deb Haughton 💙 (@debhaughton) April 15, 2022
Chapeau to #JoeRoot. Here’s hoping he continues batting for England for a few years yet. He is all they have.
— Barney Spender (@bspender) April 15, 2022
For me the biggest problem with #joeroot resigning as captain is theirs no natural replacement for me #Stokes has been arrested for affray, Anderson and Broad would only be short term fixes and theirs not that many player guaranteed starters
— Josh Dargue (@JoshDargue) April 15, 2022
All good things must come to an end.
It has been a privilege and an honour to have worked with @root66 since he was appointed England Test Captain back in February 2017. He is an incredible human & will continue to do what is best for the game.
It has been a pleasure, Rooty! pic.twitter.com/17yEuUDniq
— Danny Reuben (@dannyreuben) April 15, 2022
