England Cricket Team have accepted Joe Root's request to stand down as the captain.
Root was told by the England and Wales Cricket Board that his captaincy days are now over.
The decision comes in the aftermath of England's fifth Test defeat in Australia.
The 27-year-old stepped into the role as successor to Alastair Cook in August 2016.
Root said in a statement on Wednesday morning: "It is a sad day for me, having enjoyed such a special upbringing over the last 10 years of my life, to admit that I am ready to start a new chapter."
"I have absolutely loved every moment of my time as captain but I have been considering my position for some time and am really looking forward to becoming a full-time England player and sharing my insights into the England cricket team with all of you."
Root is the second man to lead England in his twenties, after Michael Vaughan. He was the third Test captain after Cook and Andrew Strauss to lead England to a series win over India.
After the Test defeat, Cook said: "Joe is an exceptional young cricketer and, since making his England debut, he has shown an incredible desire to lead the team to success.
"It's been an absolute honour to serve as captain alongside Joe and we've all watched him grow into the role with real pride. He has led by example with his outstanding work ethic and has always shown great leadership in the dressing room, making me extremely proud to be his vice-captain."
"He has the full support of the squad and everyone at the ECB and I know he will continue to be a very strong presence for the team and leader beyond his playing days."
Cook recently called time on his England career, announcing his retirement from international cricket. He made an emotional half-hour speech in Sydney after his final Test match.
Root said: "My time as England Test captain has been the absolute honor of my life.
"I've been so privileged to lead the team and I know there are going to be many great days and special memories along the way, whatever I do next.
"I've loved every moment. It has made me stronger and I have loved being part of this team. So, with the help of the family, I'm looking forward to the next chapter in my life."
Test Match Special summariser and former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott said: "I never thought I'd see the day when England sacked a captain like Root.
"They are just killing the game. Every team seems to sack their captain, and don't get me started on the County Championship. I think the ECB should be sued for mismanagement."
Root was seen as the frontrunner to succeed Cook as England's Test captain.
Appointment process
England will start the process of finding a successor immediately.
Trevor Bayliss will remain as coach for the upcoming tour of the West Indies but the England and Wales Cricket Board will start their search for the next full-time captain as soon as possible.
A recruitment panel of current and former players will recommend their preferred candidate to the ECB.
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