England Test captain Alastair Cook steps down

The 32-year-old led the side in 59 Tests

England Test captain Alastair Cook stepped down from captaincy on Monday calling it a sad day for him.

"It's been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years,” Cook told England Cricket Board website. "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.”

Cook said he took the time after India series to decide on his future.

"I've had time to reflect after the India series and this weekend I spoke to Colin Graves, the Chairman, to explain and offer my resignation," he 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.”

The 32-year-old said it was a privilege to playing for England and is ready to help the next captain.

"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."

Cook led the England side in 59 five-day outings with 24 wins and 22 losses in his bag.