ALASTAIR COOK has announced his retirement from professional cricket, ending a sensational 20-year career.
England legend Cook, 38, stood down from Test cricket back in 2018 but has continued playing at county level for Essex.
But England's all-time leading run-scorer saw his Essex contract expire at the end of the 2023 season.
And he has now confirmed he will not extend his stay in the sport.
In a statement, he said: "It is not easy to say goodbye. Cricket has been so much more than my job.
"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.
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"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."
He went on to add: "It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end.
"I have always given absolutely everything I possibly could have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over.
"I will never underestimate the privilege I have had to play cricket. I will always be grateful for what the game has given to me.
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"Now, I hope the Bedfordshire Farmers will find space for a has-been 'all-rounder' somewhere in their lower order."
Cook made his Essex debut in 2003, before going on to appear for England two years later.
He scored a century in his second innings for his country – the first of 33 during his Test career.
He appeared in 161 Tests – 159 of which were played consecutively – a world record.
In total, he amassed 12,472 runs for England and captained his country for five years between 2012 and 2017.
He captained England's home Ashes wins in 2013 and 2015 – either side of a 5-0 hammering in Australia.
But his most memorable Ashes came in the 2010/11 edition when he scored 766 runs Down Under as England claimed their only away series win since 1986/87 – with Cook named the Player of the Series.
He retired from Test cricket at the age of 33, marking his farewell with a century against India in his final match.
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