By: Drcricket7 Staff
Alastair Cook has resigned as the England Test captain. He, however, will remain available for selection in the longest version of the game. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has accepted his resignation.
Cook took over the captaincy from Andrew Strauss in 2012. He led the English team in a record 59 Test matches. England won the Ashes in 2013 and 2015, Test series in India and South Africa under his leadership.
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“Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision,” Cook said on his Test captaincy. “But I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team.”
“Playing for England really is a privilege,” he added. “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.”
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The ECB has already started looking for the new captain. They are likely to name Joe Root as Cook’s successor. Meanwhile, there director of cricket, Strauss, praised Cook for his achievements as the skipper.
“He led the team with determination, conviction and a huge amount of pride over the last five years and his record stands for itself,” Strauss said. He deserves to be seen as one of our country’s great captains.”
