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

Cook's 59 Tests made him the country's longest-serving captain, until he was overtaken by his successor, Joe Root, beginning his reign in 2013.

Throughout that period, Cook has won eight of the 17 series in which he has been in charge, including a 2-1 win in India in 2012 – his first win there since 1985 – as well as a win in South Africa in 2015-16.

Cook also led the team to two home Ashes victories, in 2013 and 2015, with a Test record of 24 wins and 22 defeats.

The opener cited a loss of energy as the reason behind his resignation, concluded that the team would benefit from new leadership and decided to devote his full focus to his batting.

Cook, whose last series as captain was a 4-0 defeat to India, said: “It has been a huge honor to captain England and lead the Test team for the past five years.

“It's been a very difficult decision to step down, but I know it's the right decision for me and the right time for the team. We've kind of stagnated if we're brutally honest.”

“There's so much work to be done, and I felt like I didn't have the energy to do it. That's part and parcel of being a leader, you're in charge.”

Cook remained part of the team under new captain Root until 2018, when he announced his retirement from international cricket after 12 years, hitting a century against India in his final innings in his 161st Test.

Cook, who was awarded a knighthood in the Queen's New Year Honors in 2019, retired from cricket last October.