Former England captain Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from international cricket after the end of the fifth Test in the ongoing series between England and India.
The 33-year-old left-handed opener has scored 12,254 runs and made 32 centuries in 160 Tests, all of which are English records.
His tally of runs makes him the 6th highest run scorer of all time in Test cricket.
"There is nothing left in the tank," said Cook, who captained his country in 59 tests. The most by any English captain.
Cook made his Test debut at the age of 21, replacing then captain Michael Vaughan against India at Nagpur in 2006, and scored an unbeaten century in the second innings.
In a statement, Cook said, “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. 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.”
“I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt. So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country,” he added.
Cook went on to thank his long-time mentor, former England Captain Graham Gooch. “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 said
Cook will make his 161st and last international appearance against India at the Oval. England have already gained an unassailable 3-1 lead to secure the series.