Former English legendary opener Alastair Cook bade adieu to the world of cricket with winning the 5-match Test series against India 4-1. Though he struggled with his form in the first four games, he returned with a bang in the final game of his career and smashed a half-century in the first innings followed by a ton in the second.
After England defeated India by 118 runs, Cook was adjudged as the Player of the Match. Walking out for the presentation ceremony for the last time as a player, Cook stated that the script of his last Test match could not have been written better.
“Most amazing week, one you could not have scripted. Just been amazing, great to contribute to an England win, and win the series 4-1. It was also a great game of cricket, to go into the last session of the last day with all four results possible. It was a great advert for Test cricket,” Cook said at the post-match presentation.
“It has been a great moment, sad moments. The amount of hard work, the pressure and strain, I won't miss that. But you miss the highs and the rewards, playing with this team, be great to see how they develop. This week can't be beaten; I can walk away with my head held high.”
Cook went on to describe James Anderson, who became Test cricket's highest wicket-taking fast bowler, as England's best player of all time.
“To see Jimmy pass Glenn McGrath's record was brilliant. That was the hardest bit, he and Broady are the ones I've played the most with, to know I'll never stand at slip and drop another catch off them is sad. We've lived in each other's pickets for 12 years,” said the 33-year-old opener who retired with 12472 runs from 161 Tests in his name.
“It’s been a privilege to play with England's greatest cricketer, no disrespect to any other guys. But his (Anderson's) skills to do it time and time again, you almost take it for granted, that's he's going to hit a length. The game was a little bit tight, but he didn't miss his length once.”