Alastair Cook scores historic 147 on final England Test as legend bows out in style against India cheered on by his pregnant wife
Former captain Cook becomes the highest-scoring left-handed batsman ever and is fifth on the all-time list with his wife - due to give birth today - looking on at the Oval
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.
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 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."
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'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."