What an innings! From Bedford School music scholar to England Cricket Captain, OB Sir Alastair Cook (98-03) recently announced his retirement from professional cricket.
Over the course of his stellar career, Alastair was England’s most-capped specialist batsmen captaining England in 59 Tests, as well as 69 ODIs and is the leading run-scorer in Test matches for England, and the youngest player to score 12,472 Test runs. He scored a record 33 Test centuries including one on his debut and final test match and was the first England player to win 50 Test matches.
He joined Essex County Cricket Club at the age of twelve and continued to play for them for the next twenty-six years. In the 2019 County Championship after retirement from the international scene he helped Essex to win the title. In August 2020, during the Bob Willis Trophy, he scored his 24,000th run in first-class cricket and in the opening day of the 2022 County Championship scored his 70th century finishing his career on 26,643 runs and 74 100’s.
Alastair often turns out for Bedfordshire Farmers against the Ousels (our staff team) in their annual fixture, and now that he hopefully has a bit of time on his hands, may even be persuaded to join the OB cricket team in the annual Cricketer Cup competition!
Alastair has been, and continues to be, a true inspiration to everyone at Bedford School. He is, without doubt, a shining example of true sportsmanship, great leadership, personal fortitude, and conviction. A true Bedfordian!