An "unshackled" Alastair Cook still has several years ahead of him as an England player despite resigning the Test captaincy on Monday, according to predecessor Andrew Strauss.

England captain Alastair Cook heads home for Christmas with calls for his resignation ringing in his ears after what turned into an embarrassing subcontinental tour.

Joe Root fell after a defiant 78 as India claimed three wickets on the fourth morning to inch closer to a comprehensive victory in the third Test against England on Tuesday.