London: England opener Alastair Cook will retire from international cricket after this week’s final Test match against India, the Englishman announced Monday.
“There is nothing left in the tank,” Cook said in a statement, who captained his country in a record 59 Tests. “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.”
“Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face knowing I have given everything. The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my team-mates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right,” the statement further read.
“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,” Cook added.
Cook made his Test debut at the age of 21, replacing Michael Vaughan against India at Nagpur in 2006, and hit an unbeaten century in the second innings. Since then it has been no looking back as he has accumulated 12,254 runs with made 32 centuries in 160 Tests – an all England record. The left hander has also played 92 ODIs for England scoring 3204 runs.
However, the southpaw will continue to play county cricket and can’t wait to get fully involved with Essex in 2019.