Alastair Cook did what he was expected to do after losing in Test series on their tour to India. According to England and Wales Cricket Board website, the former skipper discussed his intent to step down from the captaincy with Colin Graves (Board Chairman). Former England player and director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss was the first person to whom Cook conveyed his decision. England recently suffered a humiliating loss of 4-0 in the hands of India.
Cook was recently honoured with post of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). Before a disappointing India tour, Pakistan were able to draw the series in their home conditions which attracted a lot of criticism. Under his, captaincy England did not perform as per expectations against Bangladesh as well.
“It’s been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years. 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. I’ve had time to reflect after the India series and this weekend I spoke to Colin Graves, the Chairman, to explain and offer my resignation”. He referred the day he took the decision as a “sad day personally in many ways.”
“But I want to thank everyone I’ve captained, all the coaches and support staff and, of course, the England supporters and the Barmy Army who follow us home and away and have given us unwavering support. 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” he added.
