On This Day in 2018: Alastair Cook announced his retirement from cricket after 12-year-long stellar career

Alastair Cook (Twitter)

The least England could have done for the backbone of English cricket, Alastair Cook, was to provide him with a rightfully earned farewell he deserved on September 18, 2024. This was especially after what he had done for England cricket for more than a decade.

The English obliged, with all those having packed the Kennington Oval to the rafters standing to a resounding ovation to one of the most loyal servants of English cricket. Indeed, how could they not? The previous day had witnessed the unyielding opening batter register 147 of his 12,472 runs, his 33rd Test ton being one of the primary agents that helped England fuel their charge to a sizeable 423/8 to set India a target of 464.

As the Test match progressed with the series already in the bag for England, a palpable wave of nostalgia could be perceived throughout the ground as well as television sets throughout the globe. Despite the likes of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant holding their own on the last day of the series with solid knocks keeping England on their toes, none of the others in the Indian setup could survive the impeccably commendable English bowlers.

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With each falling Indian wicket, there was a simultaneous blend of joy and grief crossing paths. This was only natural, bearing in mind that particular day would mark Cook’s remarkable tally of playing 159 of his 161 Tests on the trot coming to a permanent close.

A nip-backer by seasoned fast-bowling veteran, James Anderson, to clinch the 118-run win and a 4-1 series triumph, who surpassed the legendary Glenn McGrath by securing his 564th wicket in the format was a colossal achievement in itself. However, Anderson was graceful enough to let the feat take a backseat with all eyes on the prolific Chef, who walked off the field with Joe Root & Co. applauding the magnificence of the man. Though bruised and battered by the deliberate batting of Cook, who amassed 327 runs in nine innings across the series, every Indian cricketer and supporter congratulated the luminary, who was justly awarded the Player of the Match for his 71 and 147, respectively.

He’s set the standard and his reception in this game has been fitting: Root

England’s skipper back then, Joe Root, who himself added 259 for the third wicket in the third innings of the historic Test, lauded the fluorescence of Cook’s aura during the post-match ceremony. “Alastair has been an exceptional player for such a long period of time, a huge part of our dressing room,  he’s set the standard and his reception in this game has been fitting,” stated Root.

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A sentimental Anderson had a few but striking words to describe his longest-standing English teammate post the culmination of the game.

“Happy that Cooky was on the field to see that wicket. He’s my best mate. He’s been brilliant, just to be there for me all the time…,” expressed a passionate Anderson, almost on the verge of breaking down.