Former English cricketer Graham Gooch calls the English opener Alastair Cook as a genuine legend of English cricket who is going to finish his international cricket career soon.
On this Monday (September 3), Cook has announced to retire from the international cricket after appearing in the last Test of five-match home Test against India, starting from this Friday (September 7) at The Oval (London).
The president of England’s Professional Cricketers’ Association, Graham Gooch has paid a tribute to Cook by quoting, “Alastair has been the rock of England’s batting for the last 12 years since he made his debut — and while we are all sad to see him retire, we must rejoice in what he has done for our country. He is a genuine legend of English cricket.
“He is a legend not only because of his performances, but because of his attitude, his sacrifices, the way he has carried himself and the example he has set. Alastair is a perfect role model… He is a great ambassador for his sport; he is a great person as well as a great cricketer.”
“He has been his own man all the way through. It was evident from the very first time I met him when he came to Essex that he was a smart lad — and he knew how he could play, he knew how he could manage his game, even at a young age.”
Also read: Important Career Stats: Alastair Cook in international cricket
After making his debut for England in 2006, Cook has played 160 Tests, 92 ODIs and four T20Is. Though his success in the limited-overs cricket is very limited, Cook has achieved numerous success in Test cricket.
The left-handed batsman has scored 12,254 runs in Test cricket with the average of 44.88, including 32 centuries and 56 half-centuries. His highest Test innings knock is 294 against India at Birmingham in 2011.
Gooch called Cook’s achievements are special as he said, “To achieve what he has in playing 160 Test matches, scoring over 12,000 runs and 32 centuries is an incredibly special achievement from a special person.”
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While Cook has indicated that he will continue his domestic career for Essex, Gooch has welcomed that decision.
Gooch said on it, “For Essex it is a dream come true. Knowing Alastair like I do, he will give the same commitment as he did for England.”
