In his last press conference England’s outgoing captain says he gave it his best shot but admits fallout from Kevin Pietersen sacking took a heavy toll
This time there were no tears or tantrums, spats, scandals, angry words or apologies. Alastair Cook, already unique among England captains in that he has led in more Tests, and scored more runs, than any of the 78 other men who have done the job, achieved another rare feat. He orchestrated a graceful resignation, on his own terms, in his own time, and without controversy.
At Lord’s on Tuesday Cook gave his final press conference in the post, in a small, stuffy room high up in the Tavern Stand, the groundstaff working away in the background to get everything ready for the new season. Quitting, Cook said, was a tough decision, “because it is such an amazing job to do”, and at the same time an easy one, because he was sure he was ready. “I’ve been to the well a couple of times as England captain and I couldn’t go again.”
Related: Alastair Cook: ECB hung me out to dry in Kevin Pietersen furore
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