As England prepare to root for the final Test of Alastair Cook’s career, skipper Joe Root has lauded his terrific career. The 33-year-old English opener will retire after the fifth Test against India starting from Friday in London. He will bid adieu to the gentlemen’s game as the highest run-getter for England in the longest format of the game.
Hailing Cook’s contribution to England cricket, Root said, “To spend 12 years at the top of the order and have a record like that is some feat, especially in these conditions for the majority of it. There are not many openers around the world who can match that, never mind English players.”
Root admitted that England cricket would never see someone of Alastair Cook's stature again. He said, “In terms of his skills as a player, I can't think of anyone that comes close to his concentration. To have the record that he does opening the batting over such a long period of time is phenomenal. The way that he conducts himself in the dressing room, to every single person, the respect he has for the game, for all of his team-mates and the opposition. That is what everyone aspires to have.”
The England captain said Cook does not want too much fuss about his retirement day but if ever there was a time for it, "it's now".
"We have not got anything planned per se but I'm sure spontaneously we will do something. I'm sure the ground and the occasion and everyone involved will also help him do that fine. I don't think it will be a distraction but a motivation for the group. It means a lot to the whole dressing room and they will be desperate to do everything they can to give him a great send off,” said the English skipper.
Talking about Cook's impact on him as well as English cricket, the skipper said, “I remember someone walking into the team and making it look so easy from the get-go at the top of the order. Obviously a bit further down the line I was in Australia that summer/winter where he got 730-odd runs. I managed to get to a couple of the games where he smacked it everywhere. Just phenomenal really!
"He's been a huge influence on me. First, he gave me the opportunity to play. As a role model, there aren't many people who go about things in a better way than he does. He's the most down to earth superstar you'll ever see. He's always got time for everyone. That's a great quality to have in any walk of life never mind a high-pressure environment like international cricket. I'll miss him being around. Not just for his runs and what he adds to the team but him as a person as well.”
The hosts have named their playing eleven without any changes. Jonny Bairstow will keep wickets again with Moeen Ali slated to bat at number three.