England vs India 2018: Alastair Cook Announces Retirement from International Cricket

Former England skipper Alastair Cook announced his retirement from international cricket after a horrendous run of form off late in the longest format of the game. He has looked in woeful touch in the ongoing series against India so far. Hence he has called curtains down on his 12 years career. He finished his career as the leading run-getter of England by a fair mile.

The southpaw will walk away from the game after the conclusion of the 5^th and the final Test against India which is slated to be played at the Oval from 7^th September. He completes his career as the 6^th highest run-getter in Tests of all time. He has scored 12254 runs with 32 centuries. The runs had dried up in the last few months. However, Cook will continue playing for Essex next season. However, his confirmed that his England career is all but over.

Alastair Cook announces retirement in England colours

“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,” he said in a statement which released by the ECB.

“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 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 your country.”

Meanwhile Cook’s longtime mentor Graham Gooch wasn’t surprised a bit with the decision taken by Cook. He was “flatlining” as a Test batsman. Hence it was always on the cards.

Graham Gooch wasn’t surprised with the call taken by Alastair Cook

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