A
lastair Cook has introduced his retirement from skilled cricket , bringing an finish to a 20-year profession.
The opening batter’s contract at Essex , the county he first performed for in 2003, expired on the finish of the season, and he has confirmed he is not going to be extending his deal after making the choice to stroll away from the game.
Cook retired from Test cricket in 2018 however opted to proceed enjoying for for Essex, top-scoring for his group as they gained the County Championship a yr later.
The 38-year-old retirement determination has been confirmed after the conclusion of this season, as Essex completed second behind champions Surrey, as he retires with 26,643 first-class runs to his title and 74 centuries.
Cook stated in an announcement: “It is not easy to say goodbye. For more than two decades, cricket has been so much more than my job. It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be part of teams that have achieved things I would never have thought possible and, most importantly, created deep friendships that will last a lifetime.
“From the eight-year-old boy who first played for Wickham Bishops Under 11s to now, I end with a strange feeling of sadness mixed with pride. Although above all, I am incredibly happy.”
No England batter has extra Test runs or centuries than Cook, who captained his nation for 59 of the 161 Test matches he performed over the course of 12 years.
He led the group to 2 Ashes victories, each on house soil, and he scored a outstanding 766 runs throughout the 2010/11 sequence, which stays the one time England have gained the urn in Australia since 1986/87.
Cook’s worldwide profession got here to a fairytale conclusion 5 years in the past, as he made a thirty third Test century in his ultimate match towards India on the Oval in entrance of his household and mates.
“Although my England career came to an end in 2018, I remain blown away by the amount of affection I receive from England supporters,” Cook continued.
“ Wherever I have travelled, you have been there with your enthusiasm, kind words and unshakable belief. English cricket really does have the best fans in the world.
“I will never underestimate the privilege I have had to play cricket. I will always be grateful for what the game has given to me. Now, I hope the Bedfordshire Farmers will find space for a has-been ‘all-rounder’ somewhere in their lower order.”
