Former England captain and one of the greatest Test batters of all time, Sir Alastair Cook announced his retirement from professional cricket on October 13 (Friday). Cook, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2018, has now walked away for good and won't be seen playing even in the County championship. The left-handed opener cemented his legacy as one of the all-time legends, amassing an England record of 12,472 Test runs during his remarkable 161 Test appearances, 59 of which he captained.
Overall, Cook played 562 matches and scored a mind-boggling 34,045 runs with the help of 88 centuries and 168 fifties.
"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 lls 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.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Essex, the county joined when I was aged 12. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Chelmsford for everything you have given to me. All of the fans, members and staff have always been so supportive, patient and generous.
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.
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," he added.
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