'The greatest ever': Joe Root applauds Sir Alastair Cook after ex-skipper announces retirement

Former English cricket team skipper Alastair Cook announced his retirement from all forms of professional cricket on October 13, 2023. Cook was one of the best captains of England and guided the team to reach several milestones and titles during his captaincy days. Before retiring from professional cricket, the former English skipper retired from international cricket in the year 2018. 

3 things you need to know 

• Alastair Cook played professional cricket for Essex County team for 20 years
• Cook scored a total of 12472 runs for England in Tests
• The left-handed opener scored a total of 33 Test hundreds for England

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Joe Root's words of praise for the former England captain Alastair Cook

English cricket team batter Joe Root is one of the best batters of modern-day cricket and made his debut under the leadership of Alastair Cook. Root, who is now with the English cricket team in India for the ODI World Cup 2023, hailed Cook for his contribution to English cricket. Speaking to PA News agency, Joe Root said: 

It’s been a hell of a career. Clearly, what you did for England, we all know how special that was – a memorable finish and a memorable start. Everything in between, you were the greatest ever. What you’ve achieved has been incredible. To have had the opportunity to play so many Test matches alongside you, under your captaincy and even getting to boss you round a little bit at the end, was really great fun. 

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Alastair Cook announces retirement from professional cricket 

Alastair Cook continued to play for his county side Essex after retiring from national duty in the year 2018. However, his contract with Essex expired at the end of this English domestic season after which the 38-year-old southpaw decided to not renew his contract. Cook served for Essex for 20 years and scored a total of 26643 runs in 352 first-class matches. Cook captained a total of 59 Tests for England out of which he was able to win 29 matches. He captained England from 2010 to 2016.