‘I’ve nothing else left in the tank’ says Cook as he announces his retirement

● England’s all-time record run scorer will continue to play for Essex

England’s all-time record run-scorer Alastair Cook will retire from international cricket after this week’s Oval Test.

Cook, who has made 12,254 runs in a 160-Test career over the past 12 years, issued a statement yesterday confirming the news.

He described it as a “sad day” but says he will retire “with a big smile on my face, knowing I have given everything”.

The former captain, a fourtime Ashes winner, added that at the age of 33 “there is nothing left in the tank” to continue to serve beyond this summer as Test opener.

Cook said: “After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India.

“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.”

Cook, who will play on next summer for his county Essex, has endured a lean summer at the top of the order for England – averaging just 15.57 in seven innings against India which have mustered only 109.

He nonetheless stands sixth

0 Former England captain Alastair Cook will bring a 12-year international career to a close after this week’s Oval Test.

ALASTAIR COOK in the all-time global list of leading Test run-scorers, just above West Indies great Brian Lara.

There has been ongoing

debate about his position of late, because of his moderate form. But he is statistically England’s best batsman, having surpassed his own mentor Graham Gooch’s previous high of 8,900 runs three years ago.

Cook added: “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.

“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 country.”

Cook voiced his gratitude – among many others – to Gooch, his family and England’s travelling supporters in the ‘Barmy Army’.

“There are too many people to thank individually, but a special mention must go to the ‘Barmy Army’ and all supporters for their constant encouragement for the team – and also a special mention to Graham Gooch,” he said.

“As a seven-year-old, I queued for his autograph outside Essex County Cricket Club and years later was so fortunate to have him mentoring me. Graham was my sounding board, especially in the early years of my career, spending hour after hour throwing

your

balls at me with his dog stick.

“He made me realise you always need to keep improving, whatever you are trying to achieve.”

Cook’s wife Alice is about to have their third child – an event which may yet coincide with his final Test. He will be hoping to go out on a high in a series Joe Root’s England wrapped up with a 60-run victory in Southampton on Sunday to establish an unassailable 3-1 lead.

“My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams, and this could not have been done without them,” he said.

“So I wish to thank my parents and brothers, my wife, Alice, and her family for their quiet, unwavering support.”

“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”