Alastair Cook retires from international cricket

Alastair Cook retires from international cricket, 12 years after making his debut against India at Nagpur.

English batsman and former captain Alastair Cook has retired from international cricket. The fifth test match against India at the Oval would be his last international match for England.

Alastair Cook has been one of the stalwarts for English cricket, and holds the record for highest number of test runs for an English player. He played 160 test matches for England, scoring 12,254 runs at an average of 44.88. He is the sixth-highest run-scorer in test cricket.

Cook also captained England for five years, between 2011-2016, and led them to a historic test series victory in India, where he was also named the player of the series. Former English captain Michael Vaughan even termed Cook’s achievement as ‘England’s biggest achievement in many, many years.’

“Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face knowing I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank. I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined.

“The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my teammates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right.

“I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt.

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“So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country.

“I wish the England team every success in the future, and I will be watching with great excitement,” said Cook in a statement published by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on his announcement.