Joe Root steps down as England test captain

COLOMBO (News 1st); Joe Root has stepped down as the England Test captain, citing the "toll" and "impact" the role has had on him, BBC Sports reports.

The 31-year-old was appointed Sir Alastair Cook's successor in 2017, and holds the record for the highest number of matches and wins as captain.

But his last series as skipper ended in defeat by West Indies, the 10-wicket third Test loss stretching England's winless run to nine matches.

Root initially said he wanted to stay on but now says "the timing is right".

"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," said Root, who has not stepped down as an England player. "I am immensely proud to have captained my country and will look back on the past five years with enormous pride, and 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 stated.

"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." Root added.