England cricket legend Alastair Cook has revealed he is to retire from international cricket after this week’s final Test against India.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alastair Cook, left, started his career with Maldon. Here he is pictured after a game in 2004. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDAlastair Cook, left, started his career with Maldon. Here he is pictured after a game in 2004. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

Cook, 33, who started his career at Maldon Cricket Club, is England’s all-time leading run-scorer with 12,254 runs in a 160-Test career over the course of 12 years.

The former-captain, a four-time Ashes winner, revealed the news this lunchtime.

He said: “After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India.

“Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face - knowing I have given everything, and there is nothing left in the tank.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alastair Cook won the Ashes four times in his career. Picture: PA SPORTAlastair Cook won the Ashes four times in his career. Picture: PA SPORT (Image: PA Wire)

“I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game.”

Cook added: “The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my team-mates was the hardest part of my decision - but I know the timing is right.

“I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt.

“So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Alastair Cook is England's all-time leading run scorer. Picture: PA SPORTAlastair Cook is England's all-time leading run scorer. Picture: PA SPORT (Image: PA Wire)

Cook will continue to turn out for Essex, whom he led to the County Championship last season.

He continued: “My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams, and this could not have been done without them.

“So I wish to thank my parents and brothers, my wife, Alice, and her family for their quiet, unwavering support behind the scenes.

“As cricketers, who travel frequently, we often don’t realise just how important our families are to our success.

“I would also like to thank Essex County Cricket Club for their help and support ever since I was 12, and I can’t wait to get fully involved with them in the 2019 season.

“I wish the England team every success in the future, and I will be watching with great excitement.”