To many people Alastair Cook is English cricket. He will surely have an enduring effect on the Ashes series long after his remarkable career has ended. In 12 years, he played in seven Ashes series, winning four and losing three. Cook’s contributions have solidified his status as one of England’s greatest batsmen, as he holds the record for the most runs scored by any player in Ashes Tests, amassing a staggering total that highlights his remarkable consistency and skill.
Even if in danger of growing hopelessly clichéd, Cook’s enduring legacy is well earned by all 35 Ashes Tests that he appeared in. During the 2006-07 series, he hit his first Ashes ton in Perth and announced his arrival to the cricketing world. This incredible accomplishment paved the way for a career filled with many landmark achievements. When Cook arrived for the 2017-18 Ashes Tour, he had retired from the captaincy. That honour had gone to Joe Root. Despite this shift, he was still a key figure in the England camp.
In 2015 Cook was the rock on which the England team that rejoiced in winning the first Test match in Cardiff was built. This victory paved the way for an incredible series to come. None were as dramatic as his last performance in the 2010-11 series. His remarkable Ashes series earned him the honour of being named Player of the Series as he amassed a staggering 766 runs – the second-highest tally ever from an England player in one Ashes series.
Even with these successes, Cook had a difficult experience while playing down under. He played 15 Tests in Australia, but lost 14 of them! This comprises an abysmal 0-5 whitewash throughout the 2013-14 Ashes when he captained the side. In the 2009 Ashes series, it fell under 25. He’d faced a fearsome Aussie bowling line-up, not once getting past a top score of 95.
Cook’s determination was swiftly visible again as he made all five of his Ashes centuries away from home soil. His unexpected retirement came after his final appearance in an Ashes Test, the fourth Test on Boxing Day in Melbourne. While there, he put on an all-time-great performance, scoring a century that will be talked about for years after his retirement.
In a rare moment of introspection, Cook reflected on his previous few months travelling through the Ashes.
“Anything the Ashes could have thrown at me, I’ve had every single bit of that.” – Alastair Cook
Through all the glory and the heartache, Cook never lost the joy of being a professional baseball player. He stated,
“For me it was all about winning, but there was a realisation after that series that there is more to winning.” – Alastair Cook
Cook accepted that his team was likely no one’s top choice. What he enjoyed the most was their achievements and struggles in various series.
“I don’t think we were an unpopular team, but we weren’t a popular team.” – Alastair Cook
Once again Cook’s humility came to the fore, for he wouldn’t have stroked pride just on what he achieved during his storied international cricketing career.
“I played seven Ashes series, won four and lost three. I might have lost more Tests than I won, but it’s like sets and leg in darts – I won more series than I lost.” – Alastair Cook
As Cook reflected on his own journey, there was a clear sense of gratitude.
“I’m quite proud of what I’ve been a part of. Some amazing times, some pretty bad times and pretty average times.” – Alastair Cook
By the summer of 2018, his career was at its zenith during that unforgettable test match at The Oval. He ended his career with a brilliant hundred in his last Test innings, against India. Unfortunately, this moment spelled the end of a distinguished career. He is England’s Test cricket all-time leading run-scorer, scoring an amazing 12,472 Test runs.
“I feel lucky to have been able to experience that.” – Alastair Cook
The reality of finishing such an important chapter broke his heart. He told the Commission about a visit he had from a sports psychologist who was sent to him before his final innings.
When asked if any help was necessitated, Cook’s response was famously filled with sarcasm.
“I wasn’t in a great frame of mind and went down to the bar to eat dinner alone. I didn’t want to talk to anyone.” – Alastair Cook
Cook found peace in reflecting on how fun it was to bat.
“The sports psychologist came up to me and said ‘are you alright?’ I said ‘not really, I’m about to go and finish my last innings for England’.” – Alastair Cook
When asked if assistance was needed, Cook’s response was tinged with humor.
“He said ‘can I help?’ I said ‘what are you going to do, bat for me?’” – Alastair Cook
Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Cook found solace in remembering the joy of batting.
“I hit the sweet spot of batting.” – Alastair Cook
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