Cook a 'genuine legend of English cricket' – Gooch

Gooch called Cook "a genuine legend of English cricket" and a "great ambassador for the sport" as the 33-year-old announced his retirement from international cricket. Gooch, who was England's record Test run-scorer until Cook overtook him in May 2015, was himself thanked by Cook in his resignation announcement.

In a statement on behalf of the Professional Cricketers' Association, Gooch, who is the organisation's president, said: "Alastair has been the rock of England’s batting for the last 12 years since he made his debut and while we are all sad to see him retire, we must rejoice in what he has done for our country. He is a genuine legend of English cricket. He is a legend not only because of his performances, but, because of his attitude, his sacrifices, the way he has carried himself and the example he has set. Alastair is a perfect role model and is the image of the game we want to project. He is a great ambassador for his sport, he is a great person as well as a great cricketer."

Gooch also praised Cook for both the longevity of his career and all that he achieved in the sport.

"His record is unsurpassed in terms of runs and the commitment he has showed for every team he has played for and has been a beacon for our sport as a person and as a cricketer. Throughout his career he has developed his game to improve and the results are there for all to see. To achieve what he has in playing 160 Test matches, scoring over 12,000 runs and 32 centuries is an incredibly special achievement from a special person."

He attributed Cook's success on the field to his unrelenting commitment to improve over his decorated international career.

"It all stems from being strong of mind, being committed to hard work on his game and focusing on what’s in front of him. He has accepted every challenge and has achieved everything he wanted to achieve so we have to be sad that he will no longer be representing our country but we must rejoice in the fact he has been a rock for us for 12 years.To be a successful sportsman it is not just about the skills or talent, it is about hard work, commitment and desire. All of those parts complete the make-up of you as a person and helps you be successful and he has been determined, he has been stubborn sometimes but he is always somebody you can depend on and always the first name on the team sheet."