sports

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Joe Root has stepped down as England Test captain following a run of poor results capped by dispiriting tours of Australia and the Caribbean.

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The 31-year-old was appointed as Alastair Cook’s successor in 2017 and holds the record for the most number of matches and wins as England Test captain

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His 27 victories put him ahead of Michael Vaughan (26), Alastair Cook, and Andrew Strauss (24 each). But of his last 17 Tests in charge, he won just one.

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Series defeats to India (Ongoing), New Zealand at home and a Ashes thrashing in the down under followed by the loss against West Indies

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Have seen the red ball side slip to the bottom of the World Test Championship table with Root overseeing his 26th defeat as skipper, which is also an England record.

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“After returning from the Caribbean tour and having time to reflect, I have decided to step down as England Men’s Test captain.

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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

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I know the timing is right, Root said in a statement released by the ECB.

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