England's leading cricket batsman Cook ends his sport career

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Alastair Cook, England's highest test run-scorer, will retire from international cricket after this week's fifth test against India, the 33-year-old said on Monday.

"If you're looking for a role model, if you're looking for an icon in sport, let alone cricket, you couldn't get a more upstanding person and lovely guy than Alastair Cook. He's everything you want in a sportsperson," said Cook's former captain Graham Gooch.

Gooch regarded Cook's retirement from the international match as a "beacon for his sport."

Alastair Cook during an interview after England won the fourth Specsavers Test Match between England and India at the Rose Bowl, currently known as the Ageas Bowl for sponsorship reasons, in Southampton, England on September 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

The left-handed opening batsman, who captained England in 59 tests, admitted there was "nothing left in the tank" after enduring a poor run of form in nine tests this year in which he has averaged 18.62 runs compared with a career average of 44.88.

Since making his debut in 2006, Cook has become England's leading scorer in the longest form of the game with 12,254 runs and 32 centuries in 160 tests – all England records. In the sport of cricket, a century is a score of 100 or more runs in a single innings by a batsman.

"After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket," Cook said in a statement.

"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," he added.

Alastair Cook in action during day one of the fourth Specsavers Test Match between England and India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on August 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

"There are too many people to thank individually, but a special mention must go to the Barmy Army and all supporters for their constant encouragement for the team and also a special mention to Graham Gooch," Cook said.

"Graham was my sounding board, especially in the early years of my career, spending hour after hour throwing balls at me with his dog stick. He made me realize you always need to keep improving whatever you are trying to achieve.

Alastair Cook (L) is congratulated by his teammate Chris Woakes (R) after the fourth Specsavers Test Match between England and India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England on September 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

"My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams and this could not have been done without them."

England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves hailed Cook's achievements as England's most capped player.

"Alastair's selfless dedication to the England cause and his desire to succeed are an object lesson to any professional cricketer," Graves said in a statement. "He fully deserves to be remembered as one of England's greatest ever cricketers."

Source(s): Reuters