England and Essex legend Alastair Cook retires from professional cricket

Alastair Cook has announced he is retiring from professional cricket, calling time on his record-breaking 20-year career. 

The England and Essex cricketer retired from Test cricket in 2018 but has played five more seasons with Essex since then. 

His contract at Chelmsford has expired and England’s all-time leading run-scorer is not seeking an extension. 

“It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket has been so much more than my job,” said Cook in a statement.

“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, created deep friendships that will last a lifetime.

“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.”

Coach Anthony McGrath said he was hopeful the county would “see him for a bit longer”, but Cook informed Essex he would be retiring on Thursday evening.