Former England captain Alastair Cook announced retirement from the international cricket on Monday. He will finally hang up his boots after the final Test against India at Kia Oval beginning from September 7.
Cook took this massive decision following his poor run with the bat in the ongoing Test series against India. In 8 matches, he opened the English innings on seven occasions and scored just 109 runs so far in the series with a best of 29 at an average of 15.57.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the development through a social media post following a press conference. The former skipper will retire as the highest run-getter for England in the longest format of the game. He owns the world record of playing 158 Test matches on the trot and is also the fastest English batsmen to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket.
“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.
“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," he added.
Cook represented England in 160 Test matches where he scored 12,254 runs at an average of 44.88. He has 32 tons and 56 half-centuries to his credit.
After getting the responsibility of Test captaincy, Cook led England in 59 Test matches out of which they registered a victory on 24 occasions and lost 22. He stepped down from the post on 2017 after getting whitewashed 0-4 in against India.
Cook also donned the blue English jersey in 92 ODIs. However, his captaincy came to an abrupt end following his removal just two months ahead of the 2015 World Cup. Eoin Morgan stepped into his shoes while England were crashed out of the tournament after losing to Bangladesh.