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Alastair Cook joked that he will never forget to put on his pads and face the new ball after announcing his retirement from cricket.
The England icon has opted to step down after an illustrious 20-year career.
Cook’s contract at Essex recently expired and he is not seeking an extension, with the 38-year-old believing it is the right time to take on a new challenge away from the game.
He said, “It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket is much more than my work.”
Alastair Cook won’t miss wearing his pads and facing the new ball
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“It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be part of teams that have achieved things I never thought possible and, most importantly , created deep friendships that will last a lifetime.
“From being an eight-year-old boy who first played for Wickham Bishops Under-11s to now, I end up with a strange feeling of sadness mixed with pride.
“Most of all, I am incredibly happy.”
Cook also jokingly said that he would not miss wearing pads and facing the new ball.
“I won’t miss lacing up my pads and facing the new ball, but I will miss being in the Essex changing room,” he joked.
“When I finished my international career, I didn’t know I’d get five more bonus years to play for Essex.
“I can’t put into words how much fun we had during that time.”
Cook retired from England duty in 2018 while captaining the team.
And the veteran player, who has won three Ashes series playing for his country, is overwhelmed by how much the fans have appreciated him.
“Although my England career ended in 2018, I have been overwhelmed by the love I have received from England supporters,” he said.
“Wherever I have traveled, you have been there with your enthusiasm, kind words and unwavering faith.
“English cricket really has the best fans in the world.”
He added, “It’s time for this part of my life to end.
“I have always given everything I could to become the best player, but now I want to pave the way for the new generation.
“I will never underestimate the privilege of playing cricket.
“I will always be grateful for what the game has given me.
“Now, I hope Bedfordshire Farmers find room for an ‘all-rounder’ somewhere in their lower order.”
Tributes have started to be paid to Cook, who scored 12,472 Test runs and 33 centuries.
James Anderson said, “I consider myself very fortunate that I got a chance to play with him a lot.
“To give back what he has to Essex over the last few years speaks volumes for him.
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Alastair Cook emerging as England and Essex cricket icon
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“He continues to perform well, scores runs. He will be greatly missed.”
And Michael Vaughan said: “I don’t know if we’ll see a player like him again.
“He is the last of a dying breed of opening batsmen.
“He pushed every ounce of his ability to the maximum level.
“He was a great team member and a great ambassador for the game.”
