13 October 2023 , 13:43
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Sir Alaistair Cook has officially confirmed his retirement from professional cricket in an emotional open letter.
The left-handed opener’s 12,472 Test runs is the most by any English batter, placing him fifth in the all-time list, but after retiring from international duty in 2018, he carried on playing for Essex.
But with his contract expiring at the end of the County Championship season, the 38-year-old has announced he will be retiring from all forms.
“It is not easy to say goodbye. For more than two decades, cricket has been so much more than my job,” he wrote in a statement. “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.
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“It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end. I have always given absolutely everything I possibly have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over.”
Since stepping away from international duties, Cook has become a regular on BBC ’s Test Match Special and will continue with that, along with farming duties at his Bedfordshire home.
Alastair Cook has confirmed his retirement from cricketHe added: “Although my England career came to an end in 2018, I remain blown away by the amount of affection I receive from England supporters. 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.
“Good luck to England in the World Cup, I look to forward to supporting the team for many years to come.”
Cook made his debut for England on the tour of India in 2006, scoring a half century in the first innings and an unbeaten 104 in the second. His avalanche of runs only continued over the years, with a memorable performance in the 2010/11 Ashes series Down Under arguably the pinnacle of his career.
During that five-match series, which England won in convincing fashion 3-1, Cook scored a mammoth 766 runs at an average of more than 125. In his storied career he won the little urn on four occasions, including twice as captain.