England's one of the best batsmen ever produced, Alastair Cook has decided to hang up his boots from international cricket. He is England's highest Test run-scorer and most capped Test cricketer.
The opener has scored 12,254 runs and made 32 centuries in 160 Tests. "There is nothing left in the tank," he said. The 33-year-old has also captained his country in a record 59 Tests.
Cook will play his last game against India in the fifth Test of the series, in which England have a winning 3-1 lead. The match will start on Friday at The Oval.
Former England cricketer and cricket expert David Lloyd, who is popularly known as Bumble, has raised the question on Cook playing the last Test against England. He believes the southpaw should bid adieu to the Test cricket without playing the last game to give a youngster an opportunity.
However, another Englishmen, Michael Vaughan completely disagrees with Lloyd. He thinks the man who gave so much to England cricket deserves a farewell game.
The two had a conversation about it on Twitter. Here is how it goes:
"A Cook has been a wonderful player for England .. a rock .. he says, “ the tank is empty” Can’t personally see why he plays at the Oval .. get the new chap in immediately," wrote David.
A Cook has been a wonderful player for England .. a rock .. he says , “ the tank is empty” Can’t personally see why he plays at the Oval .. get the new chap in immediately
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) September 3, 2018
Vaughan replied, "Surely if anyone has earned the right Bumble it’s Cook ..."
Surely if anyone has earned the right Bumble it’s Cook ... https://t.co/VLCuSgzrqc
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 3, 2018
Lloyd lauded Cook but still said he 'wouldn't be playing his final Test'. "Wonderful player and Ambassador for English cricket, dedicated and brave, very down to earth .....just wouldn't be playing him in final test ...Hey ho ...some folk see it differently ...and the sun will shine tomorrow," tweeted Bumble.
Wonderful player and Ambassador for English cricket, dedicated and brave , very down to earth .....just wouldn't be playing him in final test ...Hey ho ...some folk see it differently ...and the sun will shine tomorrow https://t.co/uRw1n73jdM
— David 'Bumble' Lloyd (@BumbleCricket) September 3, 2018
Hope so .. I am playing Golf .. #OnOn https://t.co/ufAGCtWYQv
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) September 3, 2018