On this day in 2017: Sir Alastair Cook steps down as England captain

Sir Alastair Cook stepped down from his role as captain of England’s Test cricket squad on this day in 2017.
Cook’s 59 Tests in charge made him the nation’s longest-serving captain, with his spell at the helm beginning in 2013.
Throughout that period the 36-year-old won eight of his 17 series in charge, including notable successes in India in 2012 and South Africa in 2015-16.

Cook also led the team to two home triumphs in the Ashes, in both 2013 and 2015, and a Test record that totalled 24 wins and 22 defeats.
The batsman cited a loss of energy as the reasoning behind his resignation, concluding that the team would benefit from new leadership and deciding to devote his full focus to his batting.
“We’ve kind of stagnated if we are being brutally honest,” Cook said at the time.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I felt I just didn’t have that energy to do it.”
“That’s part of the parcel of being captain, you are responsible.”

Cook remained a part of the squad under new captain Joe Root until 2018, when he announced his retirement from international cricket after twelve years as a part of the England team – signing off with a century against India in his final innings.
In 2019 Cook was the recipient of a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
Latest
-
News
England players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
News
Nat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
News
Joe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.