Andrew Strauss has stepped down as England Test captain and also retired from professional cricket , the England and Wales Cricket Board announced today.

Strauss has decided to call time on his career after making 100 Test appearances for England, 50 of which were as skipper.

England won 24 of those 50 Tests under Strauss, making him the national team's third most experienced leader and the second most successful behind Michael Vaughan.

The Middlesex batsman also led the side to home and away Ashes triumphs as well as their surge to world number one last summer, the first time England had held the position since the rankings were introduced.

Strauss has been replaced as England captain by Alastair Cook.

The 27-year-old, Strauss' opening partner, has played 83 Tests for England and took over as one-day captain last year.