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Following the news that Alastair Cook has decided to retire from all forms of professional cricket last Friday, Essex Cricket would like everyone to share all the amazing memories they have of ‘Chef’ from his 21 year stint with the Club.

There is an argument that the term ‘GOAT’ – ‘Greatest Of All Time’ – has recently become quite overused in a sporting context; after all, the very nature of the description means only one person can actually hold it.

However, when it comes to English cricket, there is very little debate that the holder is one Alastair Cook, who, over the last two decades, carved out a career so glorious that topping his legacy will be a near-impossible task.

From the thousands upon thousands of runs that came off his bat to the silverware he won, from the records he set to the honours he was awarded, this is a look at some of the numbers generated by one of cricket’s very best.
 

01/03/2006: A famous day

Cook was originally scheduled to spend most of February and March 2006 in the Caribbean with the England Lions, and indeed made quite the start to that tour with a century in a warm-up match against an Antigua XI.

However, he batted only one innings of the opening match against the West Indies A team in St John’s, before he received a call to fly more than 8,500 miles east to Nagpur, India, and join up with the senior England team.

Accompanied by Owais Shah and another unassuming youngster by the name of James Anderson, Cook went straight into the starting XI for the first Test, becoming the 630th man to play in the format for England.

He made his debut alongside Ian Blackwell and Monty Panesar, and although he hit the ground running with a first-innings 60, it was his exploits in the second dig, where he scored 104, that truly foreshadowed his greatness.

3 honours

Cook’s services to his sport were such that he was recognised with individual honours, and accompanying meetings with royalty, no fewer than three times across his career.

His first visit to Buckingham Palace came in December 2011, when he was rewarded with an MBE for his sparkling Ashes series the previous winter and subsequent contribution to England’s rise to world number one Test side.

A little over five years after that, he was upgraded to CBE a few days before relinquishing the Three Lions’ red-ball captaincy, having skippered his country in a then-record 59 Tests, winning seven of his 16 series in charge.

Finally, he was given the highest of honours in February 2019 when he was knighted by the Queen, five months after he had retired from international cricket as England’s highest Test run-scorer of all time.

34,045 all-format senior runs

On the subject of record-breaking runs, scoring thousands upon thousands of them is what Cook did best throughout his career, racking up over 34,000 of them at senior level in all three formats.

The vast majority, 26,643 were unsurprisingly scored in first-class cricket, and contained within that total are the 12,472 Test runs he hit in 161 matches to cement his position as the most prolific Englishman of all time.

However, he also enjoyed a productive time of it in the white-ball arena too, notching 6,510 List A and 892 T20 runs, of which 3,204 and 61 were scored in 92 ODIs and four international T20s, respectively.

Although not one known for his explosive ability, Cook did still hit a single shortest-format century, posting exactly 100 not out off just 57 balls against Surrey at the Oval in 2009, meaning he retires having hit tons in all formats.

1 Test wicket

Although obviously named as a batter in practically every single one of his 562 senior professional appearances, Cook did reveal a handy secret talent in one of his Tests at Trent Bridge in 2014.

With the pitch totally placid to the point that Jimmy Anderson had managed to hit 81, both sides had racked up scores of almost 500 in their first innings before India reached 387-8 in their second dig, leading by 348.

Between them, England’s bowlers had sent down a total of 281 overs across both innings before Cook relieved them by bringing himself on, with his medium pace complete with a comic impersonation of Bob Willis’s run-up.

Whether taking things seriously or not by then, Cook managed to snare the wicket of Ishant Sharma, caught sharply behind by Matt Prior, as he logged a Test bowling average that will forever remain at just 7.00.

9 pieces of Essex silverware

Cook’s appearances for his county were forcibly limited as his international influence grew, but across a 20-year career, he found time to contribute to Essex winning six titles, as well as three additional trophies.

Three were in the red-ball arena, with the 2017 and 2019 County Championships joined by the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy, while he also played his part in victorious Sunday League campaigns in 2005 and 2006.

His remaining title was the 2008 Friends Provident Trophy, and although those six are his top-division pieces of silverware, Cook also contributed to three more Division Two trophies across two formats.

In 2008, Essex finished atop the second tier in the Sunday League, while they were promoted from Division Two of the Championship in 2016 and won the curiously-organised competition of the same name in 2021, with the Championship that year following a ‘conferences’ format.

159 consecutive Tests

Of all his achievements throughout his career, there was little Cook seemed to enjoy more than beating Australia, and even with his Ashes scoring exploits aside, he holds another record which he passed an Australian to break.

Upon taking to the field in the second Test of two against Pakistan in 2018, Cook continued a run of playing in 154 consecutive matches in the format, making him the world-record holder of that particular statistic.

The man he beat was none other than Allan Border, with the former Australian captain being the sort of character who no doubt loved losing his record to an Englishman.

It seems likely that the record, which Cook extended to 159 before retiring, will stand for a long time yet, with the West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite being the highest-ranked current player, though even his unbroken run stands at ‘just’ 77 matches.

73.80 and 57.96: Worcestershire and the Windies’ worst nightmare

Cook may have scored most prolifically against Australia in Test cricket, but that came with the caveat that he also played more matches against them than any other nation.

A better barometer for which opponents suffered most heavily at his hands would be his respective averages, and by that measure, it is the West Indies, who he hit 1,739 runs at 57.96 against, who come out on top.

Domestically, another team beginning with W felt Cook’s wrath more strongly than any other, with Worcestershire conceding 738 runs to him, at a staggering average of 73.80.

Concurrently, there is also no venue above New Road in his averages on any ground he played more than three matches at, with his figure of 95.87 standing clear of his 94.75 at Fenner’s in Cambridge.

The 2023 season may have come to a close but you can still join us at The Cloud County Ground for our winter events.

Join Chief Executive John Stephenson for the new Supper Nights with our special guests now unveiled for the events taking place in November and March.

Club legend John Lever will be in attendance for the opening Supper Night on Thursday 02 November to share stories from his playing days with Essex and England.

The following Supper Night will be hosted in the New Year on Thursday 21 March 2024 and we are delighted to welcome Club President Keith Fletcher as our special guest.

Tickets are priced £38 Members and £45 for guests, which includes a two-course meal and half a bottle of wine or soft drink alternative.

To book your places, please contact our Membership & Ticketing Office by email – [email protected] and a member of our team will get in contact to confirm your booking and details. Alternatively, you reserve a place by phone on 01245 254010 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm).

Members’ Christmas Lunches

A limited number of spaces are still available to this year’s Members’ Christmas Lunch dates on Wednesday 06 & Friday 15 December 2023.

Places are priced £35 for Members and £40 for Members’ Guest, and includes a three-course Christmas Lunch from midday and an opportunity to hear for a special guest speaker.

Please note: The Member price listed is valid for all 2023 and 2024 Members.

Further information on our Wine Tasting event in February 2024 will be available in due course but please get in contact to register your interest and receive full details by email once confirmed.

Today I am announcing my retirement and the end of my career as a professional cricketer.

It is not easy to say goodbye. For more than two decades, cricket has been so much more than my job. It has allowed me to experience places I never dreamed I would go, be part of teams that have achieved things I would never have thought possible and, most importantly, created deep friendships that will last a lifetime.

From the eight-year-old boy who first played for Wickham Bishops Under 11s to now, I end with a strange feeling of sadness mixed with pride. Although above all, I am incredibly happy.

It is the right time for this part of my life to come to an end. I have always given absolutely everything I possibly have to be the best player I could be, but now I want to make way for the new generation to take over.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Essex, the county I joined when I was aged 12. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Chelmsford for everything you have given to me. All of the fans, members and staff have always been so supportive, patient and generous.

When I ended my international career, I had no idea that I would have five more bonus years playing for Essex. I cannot put into words just how much fun we have had during that time. For that I want to thank head coach Anthony McGrath, Ryan ten Doeschate and Tom Westley, my two captains during that time, and all of the players. I won’t miss strapping on my pads and facing the new ball, but I will miss being in the Eagles’ changing room.

Playing a full part in the season when Essex won the County Championship in 2019 is one of my favourite achievements in the game. I look forward to watching Essex continue to punch above their weight, hopefully winning many more trophies in the coming years.

There are so many people I want to thank, too many to mention. However, none of this would have been possible without Graham Gooch. As a seven-year-old boy, Goochie was my hero. He became my coach, mentor and, above all, a great friend. I dread to think of the number of hours he has given up to help me become the best player I could be.

My parents, Graham and Elizabeth, have been so supportive, from my childhood all the way through my career. My brothers Adrian and Laurence made cricket in the back garden so competitive and that set me on my way.

To Alice’s family Chris, Mary, Lizzy and Henry for the huge amount of time, help and advice you have given to us during the past 10 years and more, not forgetting the opportunity to get involved with the farm. If anyone sees a sheep lorry on the roads around Bedfordshire you may want to stay well clear.

Finally, to Alice, for the love and unwavering support you have shown to me. You have been a wonderful mum to Elsie, Isobel and Jack while I travelled the world chasing my dreams. I will never forget the sacrifice you have made for me and our family. Twenty years of fun and adventure, with many more to come.

Although my England career came to an end in 2018, I remain blown away by the amount of affection I receive from England supporters. Wherever I have travelled, you have been there with your enthusiasm, kind words and unshakable belief. English cricket really does have the best fans in the world.

I will never underestimate the privilege I have had to play cricket. I will always be grateful for what the game has given to me. Now, I hope the Bedfordshire Farmers will find space for a has-been ‘all-rounder’ somewhere in their lower order.

Good luck to the England in the World Cup, I look to forward to supporting the team for many years to come.

Essex Cricket is delighted to announce that promising batter Charlie Allison has signed a new rookie contract for the entirety of the 2024 season.

Colchester-born Allison, 18, made his competitive first-team debut against Lancashire in this season’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, and went on to score 254 runs at an average of 36.28 across the tournament’s eight matches.

He subsequently made his England Under-19 debut in a Youth Test against Australia following the 50-over competition, and top scored in the first innings of the match with 44.

Having put pen to paper, Allison said: “It’s great news. To get a summer contract, I was really happy with myself, but to perform and then get another, I’m over the moon.

“I just tried to take last year in my stride and play how I’ve always played, and I’m now really excited for the future.”

Head Coach, Anthony McGrath said: “Charlie is a superb young player, and we were really happy to see him translate that significant potential that he has into a solid return of runs this summer.

“Everyone in our dressing room speaks incredibly highly of him and the way he goes about his cricket, and we’re looking forward to him being part of the group again in 2024.”

John Stephenson, Essex Cricket Chief Executive Officer, added: “We pride ourselves at Essex on our ability to bring high-quality young players through the pathway system, and Charlie is the latest example of that.

“We are happy we’ve been able to secure his immediate future now, giving him the best possible grounding to flourish once again in 2024, and we are all excited to see what he can do next summer.”

The 2023 season, even by the lofty standards set by recent Essex campaigns, will live long in the memory for a variety of reasons.

From a first Vitality Blast Finals Day appearance in four years that culminated in the Eagles being part of the most-viewed final in over a decade, to a thrilling title race in the LV= Insurance County Championship that went right down to the wire, there were stirring moments and indelible memories aplenty.

It was hardly just the Men’s First XI who contributed to a special summer, either, as the Women’s London Championship was secured by Essex for the first time.

Several members of that victorious team then played their part in further success, as the Eagles’ U18 Women added the National County T20 cup to the Chelmsford trophy cabinet.

What’s more, the Falcons Ability team completed a sweep of Essex pride across the board as they rounded out their season by reaching the final of the D40 Pursuit competition.

Those moments were celebrated at the Club’s annual End of Season Gala Dinner at Braxted Park on Wednesday 04 October, which was hosted by Graham Gooch, Simon Ward and BBC Essex’s Victoria Polley.

2023 Award Winners

Community Award: Paul Davidge

Pictured: Rachel Lewis (Essex Cricket in the Community Chair) & Paul Davidge

Ability Young Player of the Year, sponsored by Allen Ford: Amara Law

Women’s Young Player of the Year, sponsored by MidexPRO: Prisha Bedi

Men’s Young Player of the Year: Robin Das

Seniors Team Player of the Year: Phil Whettell

Development Team Player of the Year: Om Thekaria

Om Thekaria’s bowling was pivotal in helping his team secure the runner-up position in the East of England Development Competition, taking 9 wickets at an average of 10.

Academy Player of the Year: Noah Thain

Second XI Player of the Year: Charlie Allison

Bowler of the Year: Jamie Porter

Batter of the Year: Tom Westley

Performance of the Year: Matt Critchley’s Vitality Blast 5/28 v Middlesex

White-Ball Player of the Year: Daniel Sams

Players’ Player of the Year: Matt Critchley

Ability Player of the Year, sponsored by Allen Ford: Joe Moss

Women’s Player of the Year, sponsored by MidexPRo: Grace Poole

Seam bowler Grace played 13 matches in both 50-over and T20 formats this season, taking 19 wickets at an average of 10.79 and with a best return of 5/49 against Surrey. She also contributed 201 runs, with her top score being an unbeaten fifty in that same Surrey match.

Devines Player of the Year: Matt Critchley

It was a triumphant evening for Matt Critchley, who scooped his third award of the evening. The award caps off a magnificent season for the all-rounder and it was made extra special by the fact that it is voted for by our Members and supporters.

Essex Cricket would like to address the Daily Mail story published online on Tuesday 03 October 2023 regarding the Katharine Newton KC report.

The use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for 3-5 years is standard practice and imperative to preventing sensitive information from being released before the due process has been completed. These are also in place to protect those named in the report.

Essex Cricket is committed to publishing the independent report to its fullest extent. Contrary to the Daily Mail article, the Club has not yet received the full report from Ms Newton, but we understand it is now imminent.

The delivery has encountered delays caused by lack of response from participants. This has considerably lengthened the time taken to complete the investigation.

However, this is not the final step in the process. There will be highly sensitive matters and recommendations to consider, and these will be reviewed by an independent Committee appointed by the Club. Until this final part of the process is concluded – and it will be done with fairness and speed – it is important that confidentiality is maintained.

03/10/23, 10:23am: The Daily Mail has removed the false information, which stated the Club’s Executive Team have been in possession of the final Katharine Newton KC report for several months.

With details of Essex County Cricket Club’s 2024 Membership packages due to be revealed very soon, sign up to have the latest Membership information sent directly to your inbox.

2023 Essex Members witnessed another thrilling season of cricket at The Cloud County Ground as Essex came inches from silverware and almost a repeat of the record 2019 season.

On top of that, Members also received priority access and discounted tickets to Vitality Blast matches and all International fixtures hosted at The Cloud County Ground, including Ireland’s ODI series against Bangladesh and England Women’s IT20 against Sri Lanka Women.

Membership packages and pricing for 2024 are due to be announced in the very near future and once revealed will be immediately be available for purchase.

Get yourself to the front of the queue by signing up to our 2024 Membership shortlist.