I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank, says Alastair Cook on his retirement

England opener and the veteran Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from international cricket and will be featuring in the fifth Test against India for one final time. He was struggling with the bat to contribute for a long time and was under a lot of pressure during the ongoing series. But what he has done for England cricket cannot be undermined at all and he will hang his boots as the leading run-getter of his country in the whites.

Cook has played 160 Tests in his illustrious career and will add one more to the tally when he will take the field on September 7. His teammates would be eager to win the game and give him a memorable farewell. The 33-year-old said that he gave a lot of thought before coming to the conclusion and admitted that he had nothing to offer to his team now.

“After much thought and deliberation over the last few months, I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India. Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face knowing I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank,” he said according to the official website of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Proud of whatever I’ve achieved

However, Alastair Cook was immensely proud of whatever he has achieved and was privileged to represent his country at the highest level for almost 12 years. He was also captain of the national team and winning the Test series in India was one of the highest points in his career. It will be definitely tough for him that he will be no more a part of the dressing room but the legendary cricketer was of the opinion that this was the right time to hand over the baton.

“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. The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my teammates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right,” Cook added.

Special mention to Graham Gooch

The left-handed opener with most hundreds for England in Tests also thanked everyone who were part of his career and specially mentioned Graham Gooch for mentoring him and helping him grow as a cricketer. “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.”

“As a seven-year-old, I queued for his autograph outside Essex County Cricket Club and years later was so fortunate to have him mentoring me. 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 realise you always need to keep improving whatever you are trying to achieve,” he further said.

Cook will walk on the field for the final time in his career at the Kennington Oval in the fifth Test against India which commences on September 7.

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