England test captain Andrew Strauss has announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect.
"After much thought over the last few weeks, I have decided to step down as England Test captain and announce my retirement from all forms of cricket," Strauss said in an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement issued ahead of a news conference at Lord's.
During the press conference he said the Kevin Pietersen incident did not contribute to his decision to retire.
Alastair Cook, already England's one-day captain and Strauss's opening partner in the five-day game, was announced as the new skipper of the test team.
Mr Cook told reporters that he will meet the challenge head on, adding he had "huge boots to fill".
Mr Cook's first test as captain will be the first of a four-match series in India in November.
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