Alastair Cook to retire from England duty after final India Test

Cook has made 12,254 runs in 160 Tests – including 32 centuries – to cement himself as England’s highest Test run-scorer.

The left-handed opening batsman, who captained England in 59 tests, admitted there was "nothing left in the tank" after enduring a poor run of form in nine tests this year in which he has averaged 18.62 runs compared with a career average of 44.88.

Cook will have one final chance to add to his run tally in the fifth Test against India which starts on Friday, with England already holding an unassailable 3-1 lead. He said:

"The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my team-mates was the hardest part of my decision but I know the timing is right.

"I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt. So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country."

The 33-year-old took over the captaincy from Andrew Strauss in 2012, a five-year stint in charge that yielded two Ashes triumphs and a first win in India in 27 years.

However, he also suffered a 5-0 series whitewash Down Under in 2013-14 and holds the record for most Test defeats as captain (22). He resigned from the captaincy in 2016 after a 4-0 defeat in India.

England took an unassailable 3-1 lead in the current series against India after winning the fourth test by 60 runs in Southampton on Sunday.

The fifth and final test starts at The Oval on Friday.