Alastair Cook CONFIRMS his retirement from professional cricket as ex-England captain and record Test run scorer brings the curtain down on remarkable career

• Cook scored 12,472 Test runs for England and is fifth on all-time Test batting list
• He continued playing for his county Essex for five years after Test retirement
• Mail Sport revealed last month that Cook, 38, was set to retire from the game 

Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook has confirmed his retirement from professional cricket following a stunning 20-year career in the game.

As first revealed by Mail Sport last month, the 38-year-old has called time on one of the most distinguished careers in English cricket history.

Although Cook retired from playing Test cricket in 2018, he has enjoyed five more seasons in the County game with Essex since then.

In a statement, Cook said: ‘Today I am announcing my retirement and the end of my career as a professional cricketer.

‘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.

Alastair Cook, seen celebrating England’s Ashes triumph in 2013, has confirmed his retirement from professional cricket

The former England captain had continued playing in the county game for Essex for five years following his Test retirement in 2018

Cook will return to his family farm which means so much to him (pictured – Cook with wife Alice Hunt on the farm in January 2011 – the pair have two daughters and a son together)

‘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.

‘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.

‘I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Essex, the county I joined when I was aged 12. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Chelmsford for everything you have given to me. All of the fans, members and staff have always been so supportive, patient and generous.

‘When I ended my international career, I had no idea that I would have five more bonus years playing for Essex. I cannot put into words just how much fun we have had during that time. 

‘For that I want to thank head coach Anthony McGrath, Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Westley, my two captains during that time, and all of the players. I won’t miss strapping on my pads and facing the new ball, but I will miss being in the Eagles’ changing room.

‘Playing a full part in the season when Essex won the County Championship in 2019 is one of my favourite achievements in the game. I look forward to watching Essex continue to punch above their weight, hopefully winning many more trophies in the coming years.

‘There are so many people I want to thank, too many to mention. However, none of this would have been possible without Graham Gooch. 

Cook walks back to the pavilion after being dismissed in his final match – for Essex against Northamptonshire in the final round of the County Championship

Cook salutes The Oval crowd after making 147 in his final Test appearance against India 

‘As a seven-year-old boy, Goochie was my hero. He became my coach, mentor and, above all, a great friend. I dread to think of the number of hours he has given up to help me become the best player I could be.

‘My parents, Graham and Elizabeth, have been so supportive, from my childhood all the way through my career. My brothers Adrian and Laurence made cricket in the back garden so competitive and that set me on my way.

‘To Alice’s family Chris, Mary, Lizzy and Henry for the huge amount of time, help and advice you have given to us during the past 10 years and more, not forgetting the opportunity to get involved with the farm. If anyone sees a sheep lorry on the roads around Bedfordshire you may want to stay well clear.

‘Finally, to Alice, for the love and unwavering support you have shown to me. You have been a wonderful mum to Elsie, Isobel and Jack while I travelled the world chasing my dreams. 

‘I will never forget the sacrifice you have made for me and our family. Twenty years of fun and adventure, with many more to come.

Cook with the Ashes Urn in the dressing room at The Oval after England beat Australia in 2015

The opener’s astonishing Test career included 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries 

‘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 the England in the World Cup, I look to forward to supporting the team for many years to come.’

The ECB congratulated Cook on his retirement. Chief Executive Officer, Richard Gould, said: ‘Sir Alastair Cook has been a titan of the game whose legacy will not just be embodied in the numerous run-making records he achieved, but also in the leadership and grace that he always displayed during a long and distinguished career.

‘He is a role model in every sense of the word and it has been an enduring privilege to witness his extraordinary talent and determination for both England and Essex. His genuine love for the game has always shone through and I wish him all the very best for the future.’

ECB Chair, Richard Thompson, said: ‘The standing ovation that Sir Alastair received following his final Test innings will live with me forever.

‘It felt like nobody inside The Oval that day wanted to stop applauding a man whose commitment and desire to be the best he could be for his country made him one of the all-time greats. The goodwill for Sir Alastair in that moment was extraordinary and completely deserved.

‘Sir Alastair led his country with great dignity and pride, his record with the bat is unsurpassed and he did it in a way that resonated with everyone who was lucky enough to watch him play.

‘I am certain that I am not alone in wishing him all the very best in his retirement.’

The 38-year-old also won four Ashes series with England during a hugely decorated career 

Cook (right) has also been building his career as a pundit and is likely to do more media work

Cook, 38, made 12,472 runs in his 161 Tests as he became one of the best and most significant batsmen in England’s history.

He was also a captain good enough to lead England to the Ashes in 2013 and 2015 and was a key batting figure in the incredible victory in Australia in 2010-11 when they won 3-1 under Andrew Strauss with three wins by an innings.

Cook’s England career came to a fairy-tale end when he made a century in his last Test against India five years ago when the whole of the Oval rose to one of the most popular and principled figures in the game.

Since then he has been determined to give as much as possible back to his beloved Essex and has had five seasons uninterrupted by international commitments when he has been a heavy county run-scorer and considerable influence in the dressing room.

Cook was again a key figure in both Essex’s Championship victory in 2019, winning the title in dramatic fashion against nearest rivals Somerset in the last match at Taunton, and the Bob Willis Trophy triumph in the following Covid-hit year.

He is still as fit as ever and could still do a decent job for Essex into his 40s, as his mentor Graham Gooch did after the end of his own outstanding England career.

Cook will now return to the family farm that means so much to him and put more time into his new career in the media which has seen him become an increasingly confident pundit with the BBC and what is now TNT Sport.

The return to the family farm will also see him spend more time with his wife Alice Hunt. They got married in 2011 having known each other since childhood and have two daughters and one son together.

A delighted Cook after helping Essex dramatically win the County Championship in 2019

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