Alastair Cook resigns as England Test skipper

London: After an embarrassing 0-4 Test series defeat against India, England skipper Alastair Cook resigned on Monday, apparently paving way for young Joe Root to take over the reins of the squad.

According to the website of England & Wales Cricket Board, Cook took the step after a thorough discussion with the Board Chairman Colin Graves. He has conveyed his decision to Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss, expressing desire to continue playing for the country.

"It's been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years," Cook is quoted as saying by the ECB.

"It was an incredibly tough call to make but I know this is the correct decision for me as well as the team. I've had time to think over it after the conclusion of India series and this weekend I had a conversation with Colin Graves to explain and offer my resignation," he added.

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Describing the day as 'a sad one in many ways', Alastair Cook said, "I want to thank everyone I've captained, all the coaches and support staff and, of course, the England supporters and the Barmy Army which 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."

Earlier on Saturday, Cook was conferred the honorary post of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Cook has led England in 59 Tests and is the most capped skipper of the country's side in the longest format of the game. He is also regarded as the greatest batsman to have played for England. Apart from leading England to their first Test victory in India since 1984-85, he has also led his team to two Ashes victories as captain.

Since making his debut 11 years back in 2006 against India, Cook has so far played 140 Tests for England scoring 11,057 runs with an impressive average of 46.45 per inning. He has scored 30 centuries and 53 half-centuries with a highest score of 294 runs.

He has also appeared in 92 One Day Internationals (ODIs), in which he scored 3204 runs with 5 tons and 19 half-centuries.