Alastair Cook has quit as England Test captain ahead of the Ashes tour of Australia next summer.
The news came in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement released just before 9pm AEDT.
Cook celebrates after scoring a century against India late last year.Credit: AP
Cook was appointed skipper in August 2012 and was in charge for 59 Tests, leading England to Ashes victories in 2013 and 2015.
The 32-year-old is England's most-capped Test captain as well as their most prolific batsman, scoring 11,057 runs in 140 Tests.
"It's been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years," Cook said.
"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.
"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.
"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."
AAP