Alastair Cook was presented with a commemorative cap by Andrew Strauss and Colin Graves before his final Test.
England's all-time record run-scorer, who announced four days ago this fifth Specsavers Test against India will be his last, received his memento after the team huddle on a glorious morning at The Oval.
As a sell-out crowd gathered shortly before the toss, England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Graves and Cook's former captain and opening partner Strauss were both on hand to do the honours.
One former captain to another: Andrew Strauss presents Alastair Cook with his England cap
Strauss addressed to whole team on a gloriously sunny morning at the Oval in south London
The pair shakes hands at Cook's 161st England cap is handed over to him before the Test
ECB director Strauss addressed the England team before handing Cook the cap, numbered 161 to mark the final international match of his record-breaking 12-year career.
Strauss later hailed Cook as England's greatest Test player.
Strauss told Sky Sports: 'That average, that consistency, the number of times he's passed fifty and obviously the hundreds and the match-winning hundreds he's got, all combine to make him England's greatest player ever in my opinion.'
A surprise video montage has also been produced by the Professional Cricketers' Association, featuring the favourite recollections of many of the 74 different players with whom Cook has shared his Test career.
He watched the video with his team-mates on the eve of the match, and said: '(It's) incredibly humbling watching all those messages.
'Not that I am wishing this week away but once it is out of the way and the dust has settled and life has moved on I think it will be a great watch, just to appreciate how many people I have played Test cricket with and how special everything has been.
A programme for the fifth Test against India features a 'thank you' message to Cook
'It is a bit surreal at the moment, with all the adulation, but I am determined to go out and enjoy it - and I am determined to go out with a win.
'It has been a privilege to pull on the England shirt. You almost forget how many people I have played with, and it has been fantastic.
'I thank everyone for sharing my journey and my time in the team but everyone will have their own story. It has been fantastic and I am a very lucky boy.'
Speaking in the video, Strauss said: 'Cookie, your achievements in an England shirt are unrivalled. You've been an unbelievable servant to the game in this country.
'I was really proud to be at the other end of yours for so long in an England shirt. It really was the most special time in my life.'
Numerous other cricketers who have played alongside and against 33-year-old Cook throughout his career were also included in the video, including current skipper Joe Root.
Root said: 'I just want to say huge congratulations on what has been an absolutely fabulous career. You've given absolutely everything to the shirt, for the badge, this team. I'm so proud and privileged to be able to call you one of my friends.'
All-rounder Moeen Ali also paid a glowing tribute, saying: 'I can always say to my kids and family that I played with the great Alastair Cook, the greatest English batsman ever, and I'm very proud of that.'
Cook warms up ahead of the fifth and final Test match against India at the Oval on Friday
Cook emerges from the Oval pavilion to begin his final first innings as an England batsman
Marcus Trescothick described Cook as 'an inspirational captain, a top-class player and an even better bloke', while Michael Vaughan praised his 'humble nature' and hailed him as 'a great person'.
Stuart Broad thanked Cook for batting 'for ever and ever', allowing him time 'just drinking cups of tea with my feet up'.
There were also some jokes, referencing Cook's life away from the game as a farmer.
Graeme Swann said: 'Congratulations on a very highly successful career, of course. Now you can get back to your true vocation in life, sticking your arm up a sheep's bottom.'
James Anderson showed his comic acting skills, recording a nice message but then pretending he did not realise the camera was still recording as he made some critical comments.
Anderson said: 'Congratulations mate. It's been a right laugh. Well done pal...
'That'll do...Don't even like the bloke anyway. He bangs on about form in this, form in that...It's lambing season. Who cares mate? Bore off! He should have retired two years ago.'
Cook went into the match with 32 Test hundreds and 12,254 runs to his name at an average of 44.88.
Link articlehttps://hienalouca.com/2018/09/07/alastair-cook-presented-with-special-final-cap-by-andrew-strauss/
Main photo article Alastair Cook was presented with a commemorative cap by Andrew Strauss and Colin Graves before his final Test.
England’s all-time record run-scorer, who announced four days ago this fifth Specsavers Test against India will be his last, received his memento after the team huddle on a...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/09/07/10/4FD3E7D900000578-6142545-image-m-101_1536313052241.jpg
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий