Alaister Cook resigns as England Test skipper

He made the move just months after India defeated England in India 4-0.

Cook was appointed as the skipper of the Test squad in 2012.

Cook has led the team through more Test matches than any other England captain.

As per the England and Wales Cricket Board website, his record includes Ashes victories at home in 2013 and 2015 as well as series wins in India and South Africa.

He also led the one-day side for 69 one-day internationals between 2010 and 2014

The board's website said: "Cook discussed his decision with the Chairman of the England & Wales Cricket Board, Colin Graves, on Sunday evening and has confirmed his continuing commitment to playing Test cricket to Director of England Cricket, Andrew Strauss, and the selectors."

Cook's successor has not been named so far.

Cook has scored 11,057 runs in 140 Tests to date.

Confirming his decision, Alastair Cook was quoted as saying by the Board's website: "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," he said.

Cook said: "It’s 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 said.

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