Alastair Cook announces retirement from professional cricket

After two decades of playing top-level cricket, Alastair Cook has retired from the sport. The former England skipper, who was on the winning side of an Ashes series on four occasions, had already given up Test cricket in 2018. However, he gave Essex five more seasons before calling it a day.

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

"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.

"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."

Cook made his first-class debut in 2003 and soon also played Test cricket for England, a format where he notched up over 12,000 runs. He is still England's highest run-getter in the format. 

His first-class numbers are also equally astonishing if not more, having smashed close to 27,000 runs, which includes 74 tons and 125 fifties. Cook also played a pivotal role in Essex winning the Division One title in 2019. 

There were initially murmurs during the season that Cook might return, but Essex had denied them, stating that he would have a discussion at the end of the season as the County side were still in contention of winning the title. Essex eventually finished second beyond Surrey.

"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," Cook went on.

"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."

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