‘The class batsman’ – Fans react as Alastair Cook announces his retirement from cricket, brings curtains down on decorated 20-year-long career

The great English star Alastair Cook retired from all forms of cricket on October 13. Notably, Alastair Cook was considered one of the greatest opening batters in Test cricket. The former England skipper has played 161 Test matches while accumulating 12,472 runs with 33 centuries and 57 half centuries to his name. In addition, the former left-handed batter has five centuries and 19 fifties to his name in the 50-over format.

Notably, the great star retired from Test cricket in 2018 but has been involved in the County Championship side, Essex, since his debut in 2003. However, Cook’s contract for the County Championship has expired, but he did not extend it and decided to end his professional career. The 38-year-old cricketer shares a heartwarming post about his retirement and talks about his cricketing career, which has made him a super star.

“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, create deep friendships that will last a lifetime,” Alastair Cook said on the statement.

I want to make way for the new generation to take over: Alastair Cook

The former opening batter has cherished his career, from being an eight-year-old boy to one of the greatest players in the history of Test cricket. Moreover, the Gloucester-born cricketer reveals that he wanted some new players to take his place, and that is the reason he decided to retire from cricket.

“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. 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,” he added further.

Check out how fans have reacted to his retirement: 

The class batsman🫠👌

— YASHU (@Yashu9823) October 13, 2023

What a player he is🔥🙌

— P K (@kaswan_pk07) October 13, 2023

A true legend

— Callie (@CalliePhakathi) October 13, 2023

Legends retiring 😭

— Desidrum (@FunU9limited) October 13, 2023

Greatest player to play for england💞

— b. (@coco_huhh) October 13, 2023

Test GOAT 🐐

— The_Hrithikian (@Rohit_HR_Fan) October 13, 2023

He is true legend, one of the best of England.

— Chad Singh (@Chaddsinghh) October 13, 2023

Ye ab tak retire nhi huaa tha ??😭🫡

— Groot 🚩 (@IAmGrootX18) October 13, 2023

One of the finest Red Ball Cricketer, Happy Retirement 👏👏🔥

— Bolo Yaarrrr (@ShaRo45264) October 13, 2023

Aaram kro taki dusro ko mauka mile

— Indra Chopra (@indra_chop19384) October 13, 2023

I thought he's retired some years ago

— Koushik Pinkman (@sanelyinsaneguy) October 13, 2023

One of the best Test Player of World ,, Bachpan ki yaadein judi Hui hai Cook se.,,, 🙌🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/o8qHyK9QhO

— Md Zishan Alam (@izishan7) October 13, 2023

Best test opener of this generation. No doubt ❤️

— 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭!𝟎𝐧_👑🚩 (@bholination) October 13, 2023