32-year-old Alastair Cook has resigned as England’s Test skipper, but plans to continue his playing career, an ECB statement declared on Monday.
Cook’s last outing as captain ended in a 4-0 whitewash at the hands of India in the subcontinent and he steps down having lead the team in a record 59 Tests since he was handed the captaincy in August 2012.
Cook is England's leading scorer in whites with 11,057 runs and had led his country to Ashes glory on home soil in 2013 and 2015, as well as series wins in India and South Africa. As captain, Cook scored more test centuries than any of his predecessors, however his last year at the helm was not his most successful. England lost eight of its 17 tests in 2016, including a first test defeat to Bangladesh.
“Cook discussed his decision with the Chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board, Colin Graves, on Sunday evening and has confirmed his continuing commitment to playing Test cricket to Director of England Cricket, Andrew Strauss, and the selectors,” said the official English Cricket Board statement.
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.Alastair Cook
His resignation has been accepted, the Board have been informed and the proper process has started to appoint the next test captain- the 80th in England’s Test match history.ECB Statement
Batting mainstay Joe Root is being regarded as the favourite to take over Cook’s job.
Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss says he expects to name a new captain before the team heads to the West Indies on Feb. 22
The team is next slated to play a Test in the first week of July, against South Africa at home.
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