Alastair Cook has stepped down as England's Test captain with immediate effect, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Monday. Cook conveyed his decision to the ECB chairman Colin Graves on Sunday and further confirmed that he will be available for selection as a player.

After accepting his resignation, ECB has begun the process to appoint their next Test skipper with Joe Root being the front runner. Cook, took over the mantle in August 2012 and has led the side in 59 Tests, the most by any England captain. Under his leadership, England won the Ashes at home in 2013 and 2015, won a series in India after 28 years and a series in South Africa in 2015-16.

"It has been a huge honor to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years," Cook said.