ALASTAIR Cook has become the fourth England captain provided by Essex in the last 30 years.

Cook follows in the footsteps of Keith Fletcher (1981-82), Graham Gooch (1989-93) and Nasser Hussain (1999-2003) as England Test captain.

David East, chief executive of Essex Cricket, left, said: “It is obviously a fantastic accolade for Alastair and a proud day for Essex.

“We have now provided four England captains in the last 30 years, which is no mean feat, and hopefully it demonstrates our system not only produces players for the national team but who can also lead and take the national team forward.

“We recognise how important it is to support the national programme, and how important the results and success of the England team are.

“We certainly take those responsibilities very seriously and do everything we can to prepare our county cricketers who have the ability to play for the national team, and those that have the potential to captain England, to fulfil those roles.”

Cook joins former Essex team-mate Andy Flower, who is England team director, and Gooch, who is the team’s batting coach and has been his own batting mentor, in leading the England set-up.

Former Essex skipper Ronnie Irani tweeted: “Good luck Cookie! England captain, fantastic. Great lad and will do a fine job. Big things to sort out in the dressing room first.

“Having captained both Alastair Cook & Andy Flower I know for sure they will work very well together. Andy will take even more of a lead.”

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “It is a proud day for everyone at the club and county, we are delighted for Alastair and I am sure he will do a great job in his new role.

“He reminds me of a young Michael Vaughan in his style and will do a similar job for England.”