Playing the final Test at Kennington Oval wasn't initially in Alastair Cook's plans

Prior to England’s fifth and final Test against India at Kennington Oval in London, Alastair Cook made his announcement to retire after playing the last match. The batter hasn’t had the best of times in international cricket by any stretch of the imagination. From August last year, he has scored a couple of double centuries against Windies and Australia in Birmingham and Melbourne respectively.

However, apart from that, he has strained to score even a half-century. While bidding goodbye, he mentioned having given everything he had. The last Test has been a memorable one for the Gloucester-born cricketer though. The 33-year-old scored 71 runs in the first innings after which he fell prey to Jasprit Bumrah. In the second innings, he ensured that he scored his 33rd Test century.

Smith and Cook’s interaction

In the meantime, it has been learned that playing the final encounter wasn’t in Cook’s plans as per reports in dailymail.co.uk. Previously, he told Ed Smith, the national cricket team’s selector, that he would understand if he’s left out following his lacklustre form. The 33-year-old also mentioned that he would be happy to play one final time provided he gets selected.

Thereafter, when Smith asked him whether he had the fight and tenacity to play another Test match, the left-handed batsman agreed to it and that’s when the selector confirmed that he would play. The conversation between them took place after Cook’s announcement following England’s victory in the fourth Test at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

England are next scheduled to tour Sri Lanka in October and November and will play three Tests. While Keaton Jennings, despite his indifferent form, is expected to hold his place, the likes of Rory Burns, James Vince, and Joe Jenly are in contention to replace Cook as the second opening batsman.

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