Sir Alastair Cook refuses to rule out England Test return

Sir Alastair Cook received his knighthood from The Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday for his remarkable services to the game. Cook became the first England cricketer to receive a knighthood since Sir Ian Botham in 2007 and the first since New Zealand’s Sir Richard Hadlee in 1990 to do so while being an active player. Cook, who retired from international cricket last year, is still playing for Essex in first-class cricket and recently penned down a three-year deal.

Cook bowed out of the game as England’s most decorated batsman. He ended his illustrious career in a fairytale manner, scoring 71 and 147 in his last Test at the Oval Test last year. Cook played more Tests, scored more runs and more centuries than any England cricketer in history. Cook scored a staggering 12,472 runs with the help of 33 tons in a record 161 Tests. He also led England to the final of the 2013 Champions Trophy at home. Cook, who also led England in a record 59 Tests, was given an MBE in 2011 and a CBE five years later.

“Seeing my name up there in whatever capacity – you just don’t get used to it,” an elated Cook was quoted as saying in Sky Sports after receiving his knighthood. “You never get used to it and I don’t think I will ever get used to seeing my name with a ‘Sir’ before it.”

Uncertain over returning from retirement:

Well, Cook receiving the knighthood is not the only thing that made the headlines. His comment afterwards has also raised quite a few eyebrows. The former England opener refused to completely rule out a sensational u-turn from his retirement. With England’s openers struggling and the Ashes not very far away, speculations are rife over Cook’s return and his latest comment is bound to add fuel to the fire.

“You can never say no totally, because you don’t know what will happen in the future,” said the left-hander. “I had an amazing 12 years and had times and experiences which I could never repeat.

“The way I finished at The Oval was special, that will be my memory of wearing the three lions more times than I ever thought I would. That cap will stay in the drawer but I will look back with great memories of it. I can look back smiling with no regrets,” he added.

In recent times, England have tried out the likes of Keaton Jennings, Rory Burns and Joe Denly but not without much success. The English team-management will be surely licking their lips after hearing Cook’s recent comment as England look to regain the Ashes this summer.

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