Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from cricket, expressing his belief that it is the right time to "pave the way for the new generation to step in."
The 38-year-old opening batter amassed an impressive tally of over 34,000 runs in 562 appearances, commencing his career in May 2003.
As a versatile cricketer participating in all three formats of the international game, Cook represented England with distinction, earning 257 caps between 2005 and 2018. He also served as the captain for 59 of his 161 Test matches.
In fTest cricket, Cook stands as the fifth-highest run-scorer in history, amassing 12,472 runs at an average of 45.35. Additionally, he accumulated 3,204 runs at an average of 36.40 in 92 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
After concluding his international career in September 2018, Cook enjoyed five "bonus years" of playing with Essex, during which he consistently scored at least 800 County Championship runs in three of his final five seasons.
In his final season, he scored 836 runs as Essex finished second in Division One, bowing out quietly with two single-figure knocks against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.
"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," he wrote.
"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. Although above all, I am incredibly happy. It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end."
On ending his career with Essex, he continued: "I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Essex, the county I joined when I was aged 12. When I ended my international career, I had no idea that I would have five more bonus years of playing for Essex. I cannot put into words how much fun we have had during that time.
"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.
