Former English skipper Alastair Cook, who is also the highest run-scorer for England in Test cricket has announced his retirement from international cricket. He had revealed the fifth and the final of Test of the ongoing five-match series against India will be his last Test match, which is scheduled to start from Friday at the Oval.
The Engish opener is the sixth highest run-scorer in Test cricket with 12,254 runs at an average of 44.88. However, in recent times, he has been going through a rough patch as he has been consistently failing to make any significant contribution for his team. In 2018, his batting average is dropped to 18.62 — the third lowest among openers in 2018 to have played at least 5 Tests. The current series against India is the first with three or more matches where Cook has not scored a single fifty-plus score and it is for the first time since 2008 that Cook has been unable to score a ton in the first 9 Tests of a calendar year.
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While announcing his retirement, Cook’s statement read, “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 and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game. 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.”
Cook remains the youngest batsman in history of Test cricket to score 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000 and 12,000 runs.He resigned as captain after leading the side for an England record of 59 Tests including Ashes victories at home in 2013 and 2015 as well as series wins in India and South Africa.
Off the field, Alastair Cook is known for his love for farming, describing it as his other passion in life outside cricket. However, there is no doubt about the fact that his retirement will also witness the end of a beautiful era of Test cricket. After the series win against India, Alastair informed his teammates about his decision and it must’ve been difficult for everyone to sink it in.
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Cook was the synonym to daddy hundreds and now he may not be the same player who made his international debut against India in 2008 with a big century, but he is still capable of playing remarkable innings. Perhaps there is one last Daddy Hundred left in his last show. He might get the satisfaction of pulling down the curtain in front of the team he started against not many get the opportunity, but he has earned the right and been wise enough to time his run.
Considering his illustrious career, one has to agree with the fact that Cook is retiring young as he not even 34 yet. He has been brave and intelligent in the deciding the perfect time to hang his boots. He could have clung on longer. Many hoped he would continue to help England win the Ashes back next year, but his timing is immaculate.
