‘It is not easy to say goodbye’ – Former England captain Alastair Cook retires from professional cricket

England legend Alastair Cook announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Friday, October 13. In a heartwarming statement, the former England captain said it was with a strange feeling of “sadness mixed with pride” that he decided to call the curtain on an illustrious 20-year career but felt incredibly happy at the same time.

“It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket has been so much more than my job. It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be a 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. Above all, I am incredibly happy.”

After retiring from international cricket in 2018, the 38-year-old has been continuing his cricketing career playing for his county side Essex. Cook, who has played for Essex in the County Championship since his debut season in 2003, led them to glory in 2019 with his batting and leadership prowess.

It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end: Cook

In his final County Championship, Cook scored 836 runs in 14 matches at an average of 33.34 with a hundred and six half-centuries. However, Essex failed to win the title after finishing second on the points table. Considered one of the greatest Test openers, Cook is the fifth-highest run-scorer of all time and the leading run-scorer for England. From his 161 Tests, Cook has scored 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35.

“It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end. I have always given absolutely everything I possibly could have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over,” said Cook.

“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,” he concluded.