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6 years ago

Cook hits century in career’s final Test innings

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Alastair Cook scored a century in his final Test innings for England before international retirement.

The opener was giving a lengthy ovation as an overthrow gave him the five runs he needed to reach three figures.

It is Cook's 33rd Test century since making his debut in 2006, and his first since December 2017.

Cook earlier surpassed Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara to become the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, according to BBC.

The former captain has scored more runs and made more centuries for England than any other Test player.

He was given a standing ovation on his way out to bat on Monday and his every run was applauded by a near-capacity crowd.

Although his century was brought up in bizarre fashion - a loose shy at the stumps ending up at the boundary rope - it was a special moment for Cook and the crowd, who sang his name as he raised his bat.

Cook may have once doubted his popularity among England fans but there was no mistaking the warmth he was held in at The Oval on Monday.

His every move was applauded. The crowd stood when he came out to bat and again when he reached his half-century with a clip off his hip early in the morning session.

There was near silence as each India bowler ran in to bowl. If Cook felt tense, he did not show it.

He frequently cut spinner Ravindra Jadeja whenever he dropped short, and ran well with captain Joe Root to advance towards three figures.

A failed appeal for a catch at silly point with Cook on 72 was greeted with a sigh of relief by the crowd, before a thick inside edge saw Cook surpass Sangakkara's Test record.

A straight drive for four off Mohammed Shami took him to 95, the crowd once again getting to their feet, before Jadeja returned to the attack.

Cook rocked back and cut a single, taking him to 96, but a wayward throw saw four overthrows added to his total.

He was embraced by Root, before turning and acknowledging the lengthy, warm applause from the crowd.

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