Andrew Strauss has stepped down as England captain and also retired from professional cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced today.
Strauss, 35, skippered his country in 50 of his 100 Tests and is handing over to one-day captain Alastair Cook.
During his time in charge, England emerged from the chaos of Kevin Pietersen's resignation as captain to become the world's number one ranked Test team.
But the road to the top was anything but easy for Strauss.
His reign came at a turbulent time for English cricket as controversy on and off the pitch dogged his spell as captain.
Strauss said: "It has clearly been a tough decision to make, but I believe that it is both in the best interests of the England cricket team and myself to step down at this stage."
He denied his decision to quit was influenced by the furore over Kevin Pietersen's axing from the team.
During his time in charge, England were ranked the world's best Test team for the first time.
Strauss will be replaced by Alastair Cook, 27, who will take charge of his country for the first time in the four-Test series against India in November.
Strauss added: "I am extremely proud of everything I have achieved as a cricketer and I have found myself very fortunate to play in an era when some of English cricket's greatest moments have occurred. I have loved every minute of it.
"It hasn't been something that occurred overnight. It has built over a few months.
"I would like to go out on my own terms with my head held high - and I think this is the right time."
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