Cricket News

News

  • News
  • Teams
  • Blog
  • Competitions
  • Fixtures/Results
  • Tables
  • Video
  • Pundits
  • Women's
  • On Sky
  • Scores
  • Sky Bet

Alastair Cook to retire from England duty following India series

By Joe Shread

Last Updated: 04/09/18 11:04am

2:36
Relive some of Alastair Cook's greatest moments in an England shirt
Relive some of Alastair Cook's greatest moments in an England shirt

Alastair Cook has announced he will retire from international cricket following the completion of England's Test series against India at the Oval next week.

The 33-year-old departs as one of his country's most decorated players. He is England's all-time leading run scorer in Test cricket, and captained the side more times than any other player.

Cook admitted he had been considering the move for some time, saying: "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.

"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.

7:11
Nasser Hussain says Alastair Cook is England's greatest ever batsman
Nasser Hussain says Alastair Cook is England's greatest ever batsman

"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 your country.

"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.

1:00
Bob Willis says England should replace Cook at the top of the order with Surrey batsman Rory Burns
Bob Willis says England should replace Cook at the top of the order with Surrey batsman Rory Burns

"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 balls at me with his dog stick. He made me realise you always need to keep improving whatever you are trying to achieve.

"My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams and this could not have been done without them. So I wish to thank my parents and brothers, my wife, Alice, and her family for their quiet, unwavering support behind the scenes. As cricketers, who travel frequently, we often don't realise just how important our families are to our success.

"I would also like to thank Essex County Cricket Club for their help and support ever since I was 12, and I can't wait to get fully involved with them in the 2019 season

"I wish the England team every success in the future, and I will be watching with great excitement."

Cook won two Ashes series as captain, in 2013 and 2015
Cook won two Ashes series as captain, in 2013 and 2015

Cook made his debut for England in March 2006 against India in Nagpur, and has gone on to score 12,254 runs in 160 Tests.

He took up the England captaincy in 2012 and led the side in 59 Test matches, winning 24 of them.

Highlights of Cook's reign as England captain include two home Ashes victories, as well as series wins in India and South Africa.

The opening batsman resigned as captain in 2017, but has continued to be a key part of his replacement Joe Root's regime.

Joe Root succeeded Cook as England captain last year
Joe Root succeeded Cook as England captain last year

Cook's final Test begins on Friday, live on Sky Sports, and he can move up to fifth on the all-time list of leading Test run scorers if he scores more than 146 against India at the Oval.

England have already secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-Test series following their 60-run victory over India at the Ageas Bowl on Sunday.

While he is stepping away from the international scene, Cook has confirmed he will continue to play for his county Essex.

Watch the fifth and final Test between England and India live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Friday, September 7.

Comment below to get involved in the debate, 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'.

Also See:

  • Cook's greatest knocks
  • Cook's England career in numbers
  • Root: India win my best yet
  • PODCAST: England wrap up series

Trending

  • 1
    Angry AJ may be bad news for Big Baby
  • 2
    Zidane & Lampard considered by Chelsea
  • 3
    Klopp and Kovac's clash explained
  • 4
    What's happening with Icardi?
  • 5
    De Bruyne: City have been figured out
  • 6
    Man Utd vs Liverpool essential stats
  • 7
    Tension as 'Big Baby' shoves Joshua
  • 8
    Relegation battle examined
  • 9
    Man City owners buy Sichuan Jiuniu
  • 10
    Klopp: We can work with this result
  • Video
  • Latest News
  • Home
  • Sports
    • Football
    • F1
    • Cricket
    • Rugby Union
    • Rugby League
    • Golf
    • Boxing
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Racing
    • Darts
    • NFL
    • NBA
    • Motorsport
    • Netball
    • GAA
    • WWE
    • eSports
    • More Sports
  • Score Centre
  • Video
  • TV
  • Sky Bet
  • Games
  • More
    • Transfer Centre
    • Live on Sky
    • Get Sky Sports
    • TV Shows
    • TV Guide
    • Competitions
    • Sky Go
    • Now TV
    • Pub Finder
    • Sportswomen
    • Sports Scholarships
    • Podcasts
    • Mobile
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Contact Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Sky.com
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Sky Sports
    • Get Sky Sports
    • Sky Sports Apps
    • Sportinglife.com
    • TEAMtalk.com
    • Football365.com
    • Team Sky
  • Partners
    • Sky Bet
    • Fantasy Football
    • Super 6
    • Sky Sports Pub Finder
    • Living for Sport
    • Planet Rugby
    • Golf365
    • Planet F1
    • Cricket365
  • Sky Sports Channels
    • Sky Sports Main Event
    • Sky Sports Premier League
    • Sky Sports Football
    • Sky Sports Cricket
    • Sky Sports Golf
    • Sky Sports Racing
    • Sky Sports F1
    • Sky Sports Action
    • Sky Sports Arena
    • Sky Sports News
    • Sky Sports Mix
  • More Sky Sites
    • Sky.com
    • Sky News
    • Sky Corporate
    • Sky For Businesses
    • Now TV
    • Sky Communal TV
    • Sky Academy
    • Bigger Picture
    • Store Locator
    • Work for Sky
    • Advertise With Us
    • Sky TV Accessories
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy & Cookies Notice
  • Accessibility Information
  • Contact Us

©2019 Sky UK