Rich Evans remembers Alastair Cook’s farewell century at The Oval in 2018 when the England opener overcame the final obstacle in a humble quest for legendary status.
Cook today (October 13) announced his retirement from professional cricket after playing his final match for Essex in the 2023 County Championship.
Alastair Cook: 147(286 balls, 14×4), 5th Test, Day 4, England vs. India, Oval, September 10
He may not have tattoos, talent, or anti-establishment mischief, but he was a determined sports hero looking for a fitting finale to his career and situation. A humble, relatable protagonist who strives for perfection, an episode that celebrates the power of storytelling and the systematic construction of meaning.
Since England started the day with a 154-run lead and the series had already been taken, the day was proclaimed as Chef’s Day, a hero attempting to transform from an outstanding servant to an undisputed legend. It was supposed to be. All that was missing from his record-breaking career was a fairy tale ending with a chance to become only the fifth person to begin and end his career with a Test century. While #ThankYouChef filled his social schedule, the public hoped he would stay active.
The sun was shining on what looked like a decent at-bat, and Cook showed the best version of himself. He wasn’t stubborn, didn’t meander with runs or overs, didn’t rely too much on hitting shots to his feet. Joining him on the goal line was Joe Root, who replaced him as captain and batsman. A little meaner but a little smarter than the boy who, under the guidance of his partner, perfected the test bow against the same opponent in Nagpur. In 2012.
Joe Root and Alastair Cook celebrates winning the fifth Test at the Oval
Masterchef nails Ishant Sharma’s one behind square shot as the crowd roars as if he’s already reached triple digits before Jasprit Bumrah’s powerful whip sends his fifty soaring I let it happen. It was his 58th half-century in 161 Tests as he chased his 33rd hundred, the best feat of his career. Only Cook and South Africa’s Bruce Mitchell started and ended their Test careers with his two fifties.
This was followed by a beautiful cover by Ravindra Jadeja and a well-crafted late cut. Due to his thick inside edge, Sri Lankan manager Kumar Sangakkara soon overtook him to become the fifth highest scorer in Test history. Only Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar were better than him.
Root, who ensured his half-century survival, hit a straight six against Jadeja before Cook’s backfoot shot crashed into the offside ring to take England one step further. Cook, who is currently in his mid-80s, took a quick two-shot on the leg side and then took it to the mid-90s with an exquisite straight. The crowd seemed more excited than the big man himself, and the floor fell silent as Cook slowed down.
A single down to fine leg got him to 96, then an easy single point at halfback took him even closer. Then when he tried to throw the stump to the ground, his return throw almost inexplicably evaded the thrower and ended up falling down the middle and landing on the ropes. The ground shook and tingled above us. And we all felt Cook’s relief in every detail.
Alastair Cook celebrates reaching his century during day four of the fifth Test
There is something heartwarming about the Cook archetype. Someone who relies more on mental fortitude than technical talent, and who seems to need every muscle and tendon of his brain to keep up.
This is by no means a true underdog story, but he overcame his shortcomings. Every character has flaws, flaws that prevent them from being perfect. Not all professional cricketers give the impression of being born with a bat in their hands, like Virat Kohli or Joe Root, and some require more graft than others. . This was a true master of his craft.
Although it was physically and mentally exhausting (only six people in the history of the game had played more Tests), this Test was for the homeland and its ardent fans. There was still a feeling that it was there. No one has done more for English cricket over the past decade. No one was more selfless and radiant with dignity.
After continuing to raise his bat the first time, Mr. Cook was forced to raise it a second time as the crowd refused to stop cheering. Everyone knew they had witnessed a special moment: a legendary knighthood (fittingly, he was knighted in the New Year).
England are currently at the top with 270 players, but what happens after 100 players means little. When Cook finished speaking, the entire Indian team felt honored to shake the centurion’s hand and touch the gold. Returning to the locker room was not a lonely journey, as Nasser Hussein said on Sky His Sport: “Now he will walk away with the gratitude of the entire nation.”
Alastair Cook celebrates his maiden Test century (L) and his final test century
Cook became the fifth and only Briton to score 100 points in his first and final Test match, joining Reggie Duff, Bill Ponsford, Greg Chappell and Mohammad Azharuddin. Like all strong storytelling, there needs to be a grand denouement that traces the ups and downs from the middle of the story to the beginning of the story. By devouring it, you come to the conclusion that this was the only possible ending – everything was building up to this moment. Nothing else is fair. Cook soon told the BBC: “I feel completely calm and it feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders.” Cook became perfect that day and became even more perfect for all of us to witness it.
No. 5th place in this year’s Test innings list
