Alastair Cook resigns as England Test captain
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ByEurosport
Updated 06/02/2017 at 10:22 GMT
Alastair Cook has quit as captain of the England Test team after 59 Tests and five years in the role.
Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh - 30/10/16. England's captain Alastair Cook reacts during the presentation ceremony after they lost the match
Image credit: Reuters
Cook's decision to consider his position in the job was prompted by the 4-0 Test series drubbing in India before Christmas.
The 32-year-old Cook succeeded Andrew Strauss as captain in 2012, leading them to Ashes successes against Australia at home in 2013 and 2015.
He also helped England enjoy victories in 2012 and South Africa last year, but the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 2014 was painful with the recent defeats in Bangladesh - a series they drew 1-1 - and India contributing to his departure from the post.
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Joe Root is favourite to succeed Alastair Cook as England captain.
Image credit: Reuters
"Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team," said Cook.
Playing for England really is a privilege and I hope to carry on as a Test player, making a full contribution and helping the next England captain and the team however I can.
“It’s been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years.
“Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team.
It’s a sad day personally in many ways but I want to thank everyone I’ve captained, all the coaches and support staff and, of course, the England supporters and the Barmy Army who follow us home and away and have given us unwavering support.
“Playing for England really is a privilege and I hope to carry on as a Test player, making a full contribution and helping the next England captain and the team however I can.”
Joe Root is favourite to become England's next captain before the country faces Australia Down Under later this year. England host South Africa and West Indies this summer.
Cook leaves the role with a win percentage of 44.44, recording 24 wins and losing 18 during his tenure. He will continue to open the batting, and pursue Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's record for the most runs in Test history. Tendulkar retired on 15,921 runs with Cook 10th on the list having made 11,057 over the past decade.
"His country owes him a great debt of gratitude; he's led the team with determination, conviction and a huge amount of pride over the last five years and his record stands for itself," said Strauss.
"With more matches leading the team than anyone, including two Ashes wins, he deserves to be seen as one of our country's great captains."
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