"You couldn't have scripted it. It's one of those days where you will look back and forever go 'Wow'."
Tuesday 11 September 2018 10:24, UK
Alastair Cook reflected on "dreams coming true" after he signed off as an England batsman with a hundred in his final Test innings.
Cook was given a standing ovation on day four of the Oval Test against India after hitting his 33rd Test century and another after falling for 147.
The opener also moved fifth on the list of all-time Test run scorers after topping Kumar Sangakkara to end his career with 12,472 runs.
"Ever since [my England retirement] was announced, I suppose you hope you have a good week. To top it off with a score here is just incredible. Sometimes dreams come true," Cook told Ian Ward.
"On a purely selfish level, even at the end, fielding at short leg with the Barmy Army singing, it's why you play sport - occasionally those little selfish moments. It was very special. It's just been a great week.
"It was a 'don't get out for nought' game for me," added Cook, who struck 71 in England's first innings in the capital. "I didn't really think about the hundred until I got into the eighties and I felt I had a chance.
"It was very emotional - there was definitely a lump in my throat with that ovation. I had about 30 friends here and family, so you couldn't have scripted it. It's one of those days where you will look back and forever go 'Wow'.
"I remember seeing Nasser [Hussain] score a hundred in his final Test and I thought: 'What a great way to finish!' For me to say the last time I batted for England I got a hundred is special."
On beating Sangakkara's haul of 12,400 Test runs, Cook said: "It means a lot to see your name up there but it's not what you strive to play for.
"It's hundreds, winning moments and spending time with and developing a team. It's been one hell of a journey."
Cook says his 33rd hundred - which puts him in outright 10th on the list of all-time century makers - has not caused him to rethink retirement.
"I will miss playing with great players and sitting in the changing room but the timing is right and it just makes this more special," added Cook, whose long list of achievements includes four Ashes victories, including two as captain. "It's such a nice way personally for me to go.
"This wasn't just what's happened in this series - it's been an 18-month process and probably started last year against West Indies when I started noticing things in my game and my preparation.
"That edge isn't there but it doesn't mean you haven't got it sometimes. When it's your day, you can still score runs."
Comment below to get involved in the debate if reading on SkySports.com, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.
