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ALASTAIR COOK completed his fairytale century in his final innings for England.

The former captain reached three figures on the fourth morning of the Fifth Test at the Oval before going on to reach 147.

Alastair Cook brought up the century in his last ever England innings
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Alastair Cook brought up the century in his last ever England inningsCredit: AFP or licensors
On a magical day for the Cook family, nine-months' pregnant wife Alice stood up to join the cheering for Alastair's last piece of Test history-making
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On a magical day for the Cook family, nine-months' pregnant wife Alice stood up to join the cheering for Alastair's last piece of Test history-makingCredit: Getty - Contributor

Cook's wife Alice, who is due to give birth to their third child today, was among those applauding raucously from the stands as he reached his 33rd Test century courtesy of an overthrow from Indian fielder Jasprit Bumrah.

Those with long memories might remember that the ton Cook scored against Pakistan at the Oval in 2010 – an innings Cook believes might have saved his career – also came from four overthrows.

The cheering and standing ovation from the 20,000 spectators lasted more than a minute – a sign of Cook’s popularity among cricket fans. There was a similarly ecstatic reaction on the England team balcony.

He was batting with current captain Joe Root, who led the clapping and gave him a hug.

Cook produced the magic one last time at the Oval
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Cook produced the magic one last time at the OvalCredit: AFP or licensors
Alice Cook, in the beige coat, applauds as she sees husband Alastair bow out of Test batting with a century - on the day she is due to give birth to their third child
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Alice Cook, in the beige coat, applauds as she sees husband Alastair bow out of Test batting with a century - on the day she is due to give birth to their third childCredit: Getty - Contributor
Cook's pal Jimmy Anderson jumped up and down with joy when his team-mate notched his century
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Cook's pal Jimmy Anderson jumped up and down with joy when his team-mate notched his centuryCredit: Sky Sports
The legendary batsman celebrates his historic 100 at the Oval
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The legendary batsman celebrates his historic 100 at the OvalCredit: Getty Images - Getty

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Cook might not be the most elegant or naturally gifted batsmen, but people understand that he is a fundamentally decent man.

He became only the fifth batsman to score a hundred in both his first and last Test match.

During his innings, he climbed to fifth on the list of all-time leading run scorers in Test cricket and the highest for a left-hander, ahead of Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara.

Social media lit up with praise for the England hero.

Former captain Michael Vaughan wrote: "That was a very special  moment. All of us who are privileged to be here today will remember that forever. #Cook #100. If any person deserves that send off it's Alastair. Fairytales do happen."

Alastair Cook's wife Alice, who was expecting their third baby today, watched on at The Oval as he became the highest-scoring left-hander ever in Test cricket
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Alastair Cook's wife Alice, who was expecting their third baby today, watched on at The Oval as he became the highest-scoring left-hander ever in Test cricketCredit: Reuters

Cook's record-breaking last stand

ALASTAIR COOK mustered his farewell century with ease against India at the Oval.

Here's a closer look at the historic performance - and why it will stand as one of the best ever.

  • It is his 15th second-innings century - the most by any batsman in Test cricket
  • Cook joins Reggie Duff, Bill Ponsford, Greg Chappell and Mohammad Azharuddin as players to score a century on debut and in their final matches
  • Most centuries in the third innings of a Test (13)
  • Cook has scored more runs than any left-handed batsman in Test cricket, after leapfrogging Kumar Sangakkara
Cook salutes the Oval crowd for their support
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Cook salutes the Oval crowd for their supportCredit: AP:Associated Press
Captain Joe Root embraces his former boss after he reaches his ton
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Captain Joe Root embraces his former boss after he reaches his tonCredit: PA:Press Association

Cook's long-time critic Piers Morgan wrote: "The last laugh. Well batted Alastair Cook."

Jamie Carragher posted: "Brilliant ton from Alastair Cook! What a way to go out."

Rugby icon Brian Moore wrote: "Yessssss - Cook gets his century in his final innings in Test cricket. The crowd are still on their feet applauding."

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