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'Legend is leaving cricket' - Fans react as former England captain Alastair Cook announces retirement from professional cricket

Cook, who retired from international cricket in 2018, continued his cricketing career with his County side Essex. His batting and leadership prowess were crucial to their success in the 2019 season.

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Mathew K
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Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook

Former England captain and one of the greatest Test openers Alastair Cook has called the curtain on his 20-year-long cricket career. The 38-year-old announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with a heartwarming statement on Friday, October 13. Cook, who retired from international cricket in 2018, continued his cricketing career with his County side Essex.

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The left-handed batter, who has played for Essex in the County Championship since his debut season in 2003, led them to glory in the 2019 season. His captaincy and batting prowess were key factors in their success. Cook amassed 836 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.34 with a hundred and six half-centuries in his final County Championship.

"It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket has been so much more than my job. It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be a 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. Above all, I am incredibly happy," Cook said in a statement. 

I want to make way for the new generation: Cook

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Coock's contract with Essex expired at the end of the ongoing season and he decided not to extend it. The decision was made because he wanted to pave the way for young talent and felt it was the right time to hang up his boots.

“It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end. I have always given absolutely everything I possibly could have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over,” said Cook.

“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,” he concluded.

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Cook captained England in 59 Test matches and tasted success in 24 of them. Under his leadership, England have won two Ashes series against Australia. Notably, he was the first England player to win 50 Test matches. Coming to his batting side, Cook is the fifth-highest run-scorer of all time and the leading run-scorer for his country. He has scored 12,472 runs in 161 Tests at an average of 45.35.

 Here's how fans reacted to Alastair Cook announcing his retirement from professional cricket:

England featured Alastair Cook