|| Desk Report ||

England’s leading Test run-scorer Alastair Cook has called it quits from Test cricket and will make his last appearance in the white outfit for England in the fifth and last Test against India.

Starting with a 104-run knock in his debut Test against India, the flamboyant batsman accumulated 12,254 runs and 32 centuries in 160 Tests. However, he has had some long streaks without a hundred in the last two years.

Cook has been a crucial part of the England Test team for over a decade now and experienced some glorious moments for the team, including claiming the No. 1 spot in Tests. He was also part of four Ashes-winning squads and played a magnificent innings of 244 not-out that helped England avoid a series-whitewash in the 2017-18 Ashes series.

The former England captain has long been out of England’s limited-overs plans, playing his last T20I in 2009 and last ODI in 2014. After bidding adieu to the longest format of international cricket, the 33-year-old will keep playing for his county side, Essex.

“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,” Cook said in a statement on Monday (September 3).

“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.”