While he scored 766 runs at an average of 127.66 in the famous 2010-11 Ashes glory for England, former England batsman turned commentator Michael Atherton has hailed Alastair Cook's contribution to his team's outstanding series win in India in 2012, as the finest achievement in the great man's illustrious career. 

Having arrived here during the 2012 winter season with a generation unable to remember England's last Test win in India, the Alastair Cook led side surprised everyone by making a stellar comeback after the defeat in the first Test at Ahmedabad. They went onto beat the Mahendra Singh Dhoni Captained India at its own game in Mumbai and Kolkata, with Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar out bowling their Indian spin counterparts. 

But, it is the amazing batting display which Cook exhibited in the first three Tests that no one can ever forget. Following his 176 at Motera in the first game, with a 122 on a spiteful surface at Wankhede and 190 at the beautiful Eden Gardens, Cook amassed 562 runs at 80.28 in his team's 2-1 series win.

It was England's first series victory in India after a very, very long time and a triumph that still remains fresh in memories. 

“I would say India in 2012,” Atherton was quoted telling Sky Sports, “It’s virtually impossible to win there in the modern game so it was an incredible achievement."

“The last time they went there under Cook’s captaincy they were walloped [4-0 in 2016] but the time before they won a four-match series. Cook scored three consecutive hundreds and set up the series beautifully.” he added. 

Cook will play his last for England at The Oval later this week and we'll forever be thankful for the memories that he left.