Asked Alastair Cook On The Field Whether He Had Second Thoughts About Retirement After Scoring Ton, Reveals Virat Kohli
Credits: Getty

Calling Alastair Cook a “great, great ambassador” for cricket, India skipper Virat Kohli revealed he asked the former England skipper whether he had any second thought about retirement.

Cook ended his glittering 12-year career after the fifth Test at the Oval. Cook departed in a fairytale manner, scoring 71 and 147 in his final outing for England. He became the fifth player in the history to score a century in his first and the last Test.

Asked Alastair Cook On The Field Whether He Had Second Thoughts About Retirement After Scoring Ton, Reveals Virat Kohli
Alastair Cook (England vs India, Credits: Getty)

The twin knocks especially the second one brought back memories of the recent past when Cook was an absolute rock at the top-order for England. And his impressive batting not only made the fans speculate whether he could reconsider his retirement decision but also India skipper Virat Kohli.

Speaking at the end of play, Kohli revealed he asked Cook whether he could take a u-turn on his decision.

“I asked him [Cook] on the field whether he had second thoughts (about retirement) now that he made 147. He said ‘not at all’. He felt more relieved more than anything else. You could see, he was enjoying his batting all over again,” Kohli told the media.

The 29-year old further lavished praise on Cook and congratulated him for enjoying a glorious career.

“I congratulate him on the amazing career. We understand how difficult batting can be even if one plays here regularly. But the fact that he has scored so many runs all over the world shows the determination he’s always had.

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Asked Alastair Cook On The Field Whether He Had Second Thoughts About Retirement After Scoring Ton, Reveals Virat Kohli
Alastair Cook has been a great, great ambassador for the game: Virat Kohli (England vs India, Credits: Getty)

“To be able to play 160 Test matches and have the longest run of not missing a Test is a great example for everyone to love Test cricket — to have so much determination and passion for your country.

“He’s been a great, great ambassador for the game. I certainly have a lot of respect for him because he’s one guy who has never gone out of the line ever. Doesn’t say a word to anyone in a negative manner but carries on with his work always,” Kohli said.

Asked Alastair Cook On The Field Whether He Had Second Thoughts About Retirement After Scoring Ton, Reveals Virat Kohli
Credits: Getty

Cook is departing as England’s most decorated Test batsman of all time.  He has played more Tests, scored more runs and more centuries than any England cricketer in history. The knock in the second innings at the Oval helped him surpass Kumar Sangakkara and take the fifth spot in the all time leading run-scorers’ list.

Cook’s rise in international cricket was one of the main reasons behind England cricket’s domination between 2009 and 2013. He was the star of two of England’s greatest series wins of the 21st century — 2010/11 Ashes Down Under and 2012/13 series win in India.

 

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