England vs India, 5th Test: Alastair Cook Recieves a Grand Reception at the Kennington Oval

Former England skipper Alastair Cook, who is currently playing his final Test against India at the Kennington Oval received a rousing standing ovation from the crowd and the Indian players as he came out to bat for perhaps the second last time in his career.

As he came down the stairs of the Oval dressing room, he got a round of applause from the crowd.

As he strolled out to take guard for maybe the one last time, Team India players gave him a guard of honour. Most teams have started the trend of doing that and given the greatness of the man like Cook, and it only fitted for him to receive such a reception.

Skipper Virat Kohli stated at the toss said Cook will surely go down in the history of the game as one of the finest openers in the gentleman’s game.

“We have seen too much of Cook at times. Cook has been a great great player. To get 12,000 runs as an opener in these conditions and all over the world is outstanding. He will go down as one of the greatest openers in the Test cricket,” Kohli said during the coin toss.

Moreover, Cook has been short of runs in the series so far.

After announcing the retirement, Cook said that he has been pondering over the decision for the last six months.

Cook has not scored consistently for England in the previous year or so. The two big knocks which came from his blade was against Australia in Melbourne and against Windies at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

On both these occasions, Cook scored double centuries. However, he didn’t score enough on either side of those two stunning knocks.

Many critics and pundits have questioned his technique. The mode of his dismissals has been questioned.

Well, the southpaw is looking in good touch in his final Test. When the article was written, Cook was batting on 32 of 66 deliveries with England’s score reading 62 for one. They have lost Keaton Jennings to Ravindra Jadeja.

England vs India 2018: Alastair Cook walks in with a standing ovation at the Kennington Oval:

What a reception! ?‍?https://t.co/IroJonUcBW#ThankYouChef #EngvInd pic.twitter.com/DqsOjr5sQ2

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2018