Alastair Cook quits as England Test captain

[crodonilson]

Stepped down as test captain.

 

[Titanic]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/38376729

Cook, 32, led his country in a record 59 Tests and skippered them to Ashes victories in 2013 and 2015.

However, during the 4-0 Test series defeat in India he admitted to having "questions" over his role, and has ended a reign that began in 2012.

"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," said Cook.

"Playing for England really is a privilege 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."

 

[knocky1]

Had a few attributes as Captain but lacked oomph and enthusiasm. Can get on ŵith what he is good at now. Batting.
Congratulations Joe.

 

[hans kraay fan club]

Disappointed about this. I know lots will disagree, claiming he's 'negative'. His record stands up very well. Great England captain.

Would also rather Root was able to concentrate on being the world class batsman we need, rather than worrying about the captaincy.

 

[Seagull over NZ]

I kind of agree that this is 2-3 years too early for Joe but maybe the captaincy might get rid of this annoying habit he has of making batting look so easy he then gets out in the 70's playing a daft shot.

 

[scousefan]

Very disappointing. Once again a sign of the pressure of that job

 

[Machiavelli]

Disappointed about this. I know lots will disagree, claiming he's 'negative'. His record stands up very well. Great England captain.

Would also rather Root was able to concentrate on being the world class batsman we need, rather than worrying about the captaincy.

This. All the way.

 

[happypig]

I hope they pick someone who is good at captaincy, rather than just pick the best player.

 

[Braggfan]

I agree to early for Root. I'd much prefer him to just concentrate on his game. I don't know who the alternative would be though?

 

[Titanic]

I agree to early for Root. I'd much prefer him to just concentrate on his game. I don't know who the alternative would be though?

Banger?

 

[Titanic]

Excellent article from Jonathan Agnew...

Alastair Cook had toughest ride as skipper

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/38554063

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Disappointed about this. I know lots will disagree, claiming he's 'negative'. His record stands up very well. Great England captain.

Would also rather Root was able to concentrate on being the world class batsman we need, rather than worrying about the captaincy.

Exactly where I am.


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[Braggfan]

Banger?

Trescothick? I thought he was on the verge of retiring. And he can't play away games. I do think he's great though and shame he didn't play more for us. I wouldn't be against a specialist captain if plugged the gap before Root was able to take over. In fact a wily old county captain that Root could spend a couple of years learning the trade from might not be a bad shout.

 

[vegster]

Not entirely unexpected, a great player but not a great captain. Done his best though and hopefully he can concentrate on flaying the ball around the park for another 2 or 3 years.

 

[Eeyore]

Rather he'd stayed. Not yet convinced of Root's maturity for the roll. I think someone like Bairstow would have been a better option.

 

[Giraffe]

Disappointed about this. I know lots will disagree, claiming he's 'negative'. His record stands up very well. Great England captain.

Would also rather Root was able to concentrate on being the world class batsman we need, rather than worrying about the captaincy.

Also agreed with this. I fear this could ruin Joe Root's test career. It's rare that a great batsman gets better as a result of being given the captaincy.

 

[jakarta]

Also agreed with this. I fear this could ruin Joe Root's test career. It's rare that a great batsman gets better as a result of being given the captaincy.

How about Steve Waugh & Ricky Ponting?

 

[GOM]

I hope they pick someone who is good at captaincy, rather than just pick the best player.

The will no doubt fall into that trap once again, it's a habit

 

[Surf's Up]

I hope they pick someone who is good at captaincy, rather than just pick the best player.

Agree with this - but the last time that happened Mike Brearly was the captain!! So not much hope really - pick the best player (Root) and hope he develops into a quality leader.

 

[Pavilionaire]

I think this is the right decision at the right time.

Cook can now focus fully on his batting and bringing on Haseem Hamid and Keaton Jennings. Cook has got through SO many partners since Strauss you have to wonder if him being captain throughout was a contributory factor.