ENG vs IND 2018: I Would Miss Playing For England: Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook, on Tuesday, said he would miss playing for England after his international career came to an end following the conclusion of the fifth England vs India Test at The Oval.

Emotions ran high as the Oval Test came to an end. It brought an end to one of the most beautiful chapters in the history of England cricket. Their most decorated player – Alastair Cook – was done with his international duty after serving the nation for 12 glorious years.

Cook’s glittering career came to a stunning end. He 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.

His knocks helped England trounce India by 118 runs to wrap up the series 401. The former England skipper added 259 runs with Joe Root, who scored 125, as England declared on a mammoth 423 for 8. In reply,  India were all out for 345.

Speaking after the game, nan emotional Cook said he would miss playing for England

“It has been the most amazing week. Got a text from Beefy (Ian Botham) and he said Can I have your script writer? The memories shared with my team. Some very good moments,” Cook said at the post match ceremony.

“You miss all the highs. I would miss playing for this team. This week can’t be beaten. I can walk away with my head held high,” he added.

The game, meanwhile, served some drama on the final day. After India finished the penultimate day on 58 for 3, many would have thought England would run them over easily. However, centuries from KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant threatened to spoil England’s party before the hosts struck in the last session to win the game by 118 runs.

Meanwhile, it was also a memorable day for James Anderson as the England pacer’s second innings figures of 4/63 saw him go past Australian legend Glenn McGrath to take the fourth spot on the list of all-time highest Test wicket takers.

Anderson, who now has 564 Test wickets to his name, is leading McGrath by one wicket.

Cook concluded by hailing his good mate Anderson as he called the pacer England’s greatest cricketer.

“Today it showed how tough Test cricket can be. I leave with great memories. To see Jimmy go past Glenn McGrath was brilliant. Just has been a privilege to have played with England’s greatest cricketer,” Cook said.

“No disrespect to any other cricketer. He almost takes it for granted that he will hit the length from ball one. It is fitting that he got the last wicket,” he added.

Cook, meanwhile, departs as England’s highest run-scorer and centurion in Tests. He amassed 12,472 runs with the help of 33 centuries in 161 Tests.