“Today I am announcing my retirement and the end of my career as a professional cricketer,” Cook mentioned in a press release on the Essex web site.
“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 performed for Wickham Bishops Under 11s to now, I finish with an odd feeling of unhappiness combined with satisfaction. Although above all, I’m extremely comfortable.
“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.”
Cook, who made his Essex debut in 2003, stepped away from Test cricket on the finish of the 2018 summer time, having scored greater than 12,000 Test runs for his nation. He first performed for England on the tour of India in 2005-06 and he went on to be capped 161 occasions in Tests – captaining in 59 of them – in addition to main the ODI aspect.
After bowing out with 100 in opposition to India at The Oval, Cook continued to play for his dwelling county for 5 extra seasons, serving to the membership to carry the Division One title in 2019, in addition to the Bob Willis Trophy the next yr. His kind remained spectacular, with nearly 1000 first-class runs in 2022 and 836 this summer time – albeit his common dipped to 33.44 and there was just one hundred, taking his first-class tally to 74.
His closing look got here within the defeat to Northamptonshire at Wantage Road final month, as Essex’s hopes of beating Surrey to the title had been lastly dashed.
“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Essex, the county I joined when I was aged 12,” Cook added. “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 worldwide profession, I had no concept that I’d have 5 extra bonus years taking part in for Essex. I can not put into phrases simply how a lot enjoyable we’ve got had throughout that point. For that I wish to thank head coach Anthony McGrath, Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Westley, my two captains throughout that point, and all the gamers. I will not miss strapping on my pads and going through the brand new ball, however I’ll miss being within the Eagles’ altering room.”
Overall, Cook scored more than 26,000 first-class runs during his professional career, including 11,337 for Essex, as well as another 7,500 in limited-overs cricket. In recent years, he has combined playing for Essex with working in the media, notably for the BBC as a Test Match Special summariser, and contributing back home on the family farm.
“Although my England profession got here to an finish in 2018, I stay blown away by the quantity of affection I obtain from England supporters,” he said. “Wherever I’ve travelled, you have got been there together with your enthusiasm, sort phrases and unshakable perception. English cricket actually does have the perfect followers on the planet.
“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 ‘allrounder’ somewhere in their lower order.”
Source web site: www.espncricinfo.com
