England Test captain Alastair Cook revealed he has come close to resigning from the post several times in the past.
Cook took over from Andrew Strauss as Test skipper in 2012 and has enjoyed plenty of success both with his team and in an individual capacity during his time at the helm.
He led England to Ashes series victories in 2013 and 2015 and recently became the first England player to pass 10,000 Test runs.
However, there have been some tough times as well, not least England's 5-0 whitewash defeat in Australia in 2013/14, and the 31-year-old has revealed he almost quit the post more than once.
"I've lived on the edge for quite a number of years as captain in terms of wanting to jack it in and questions about the job," Cook told The Sun.
"There were times when I thought I'd go, for sure.
"I spoke to my wife, Alice, about packing it in. I'd rather not say exactly when but I've got them written down."
One occasion when Cook had resolved to step down was last year, deciding during the series against New Zealand that he would call time on the captaincy following the visit of Australia later in the summer.
But he changed his mind after winning the opening two Tests en route to a 3-2 Ashes series triumph.
The opening batsman said: "I don't like talking about it because you end up doubting yourself. But, yes, I was very close to going at the end of the Ashes last year.
"But we won two Tests in 10 days at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge and I woke up the next day and thought 'This side has so much potential and I still want to be part of it'."
Looking ahead, Cook would like to lead England to Ashes victory on Australian soil in 2017/18, but is well aware things could change before then.
He admitted: "If I feel the team is getting a bit stale, bored with me and the next generation is pushing on, then it will be time to go."