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

Sir Alastair Cook called time on his tenure as captain of England’s Test cricket team on this day in 2017.

Cook was the nation’s longest-serving captain, before Joe Root surpassed him earlier this year, having led the team for 59 Tests.

The then 36-year-old’s period in charge included notable successes in India in 2012 and South Africa in 2015-16, and he won eight of his 17 series in charge.

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 opening batter 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 Root until 2018, when he announced his retirement from international cricket after 12 years as part of the England team – signing off with a century against India in his final innings.

He finished his Test career having played 161 matches, scored 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35, leaving a hole at the top of England’s batting order which has yet to be filled.

In 2019 Cook was the recipient of a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours.