THANKS COOKIE
12,254 RUNS 32 CENTURIES 4 ASHES WINS
ALASTAIR COOK stepped down from Test cricket after a heartfelt address to his England team-mates following Sunday’s seriesclinching win over India.
This week’s fifth Test at the Oval will be Cook’s 161st and last, bringing down the curtain on the most prolific of England careers. Nobody comes close to his 160 Test caps, nor his 12,254 runs.
One eyewitness described the scenes as ‘emotional’ as Cook, who is only 33, spoke of his plans to step down at the end of a series in which he has fallen well short of his usual standards.
‘Although it is a sad day, I can retire with a big smile knowing I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank,’ Cook said in a statement yesterday.
‘I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some greats of the English game.
‘The thought of not sharing the dressing room again with some of my team-mates 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. So I know it is the right time to give the next generation their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country.’ Cook would have announced his retirement straight after the game but, according to TMS’s Jonathan Agnew, he did not want to overshadow the achievements of Moeen Ali
and the rest of the team. England are planning a series of tributes before and after this week’s Test for Cook, who intends to carry on playing county cricket for Essex next season. And while dressingroom insiders say he is keen to avoid a fuss, plans are already in place to see him off in style. A video tribute will be shown on the big screens at The Oval and there is talk of a guard of honour from his team-mates. The Indians, led by Virat Kohli, are sure to follow suit. Graham Gooch, his longtime mentor, led the tributes,
saying: ‘He is a genuine 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.’ England captain Joe Root described Cook as a ‘great man, great player’, while Michael Vaughan said: ‘No man has given more to the England cricket shirt.’ Cook’s former team-mate Matt Prior added: ‘We will now all see the huge hole he leaves.’