Ex-England skipper Alastair Cook announces retirement from cricket

England on Sunday thrashed India by 60 runs in the fourth Test match of the series to win it 3-1.

Cook said he will retire from the game after playing the final fifth Test match of the series.

"After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India," Cook said in a statement.

“Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face knowing I have given everything and there is nothing left in the tank. I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game. The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my teammates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right," he said.

In his Test career, Cook has scored 12,254 runs and made 32 centuries in 160 Tests.

He captained the national side in 59 Test matches.

Cook created a record when he became the first Englishman to reach 10,000 Test runs in 2016.

He resigned as the skipper in February 2017.

Sports world react to Cook's decision:

Ex-England captain Michael Vaughan tweeted: " No player has given more to the England cricket shirt .. No player has got more out of there ability .. No player has shown more mental strength than Alastair Cook .. More than that he is the nicest Cricketer we have ever had .. Thanks for all the memories Cookie .. #CookRetires." 

Another former captain Paul Collingwood posted: "Alastair Cook retires from international cricket 😩 He gave it everything and more. Huge respect for a guy that has achieved so much, it was a pleasure being out in the middle when you scored a lot of your hundreds for @englandcricket !! Thanks for fighting so hard 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 This pic was from his debut hundred in Nagpur when he flew in last minute to replace @marcustrescothick An incredible century that was to carry on for the next 160 test matches!! #goat #cricket#england #proud #legend."

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman called him a 'special talent'.

"Right from the time he made his debut against us in Nagpur, knew that he is a very special talent and will have a huge role to play in English Cricket .I wish to congratulate Alastair Cook on a wonderful career for England. #CookRetires," Laxman tweeted.