Alastair Cook enjoyed a lot of success as England captain. Credit: PA
After much speculation, Essex batsman Alastair Cook has today announced that his time as captain of his country is over.
The left-hander has held the position since 2012 and led the team for 59 tests.
England won't be losing him as a player though, which Cook reiterating that he intends to carry on batting at the top of the order.
Here's a look at some of best images from his glittering career so far.
Cook emerged as a promising batsman for Essex in 2003. Credit: PACook was called up the England squad as injury cover for captain Michael Vaughan in Pakistan in 2005. Credit: PAAt the age of just 21, Cook scored a century on his test debut against India in 2006. Credit: PA
Watch this report from ITV News Anglia's Donovan Blake ahead of England's tour of New Zealand in 2008
England and Cook celebrate winning the Ashes in 2009. Credit: PAThere were similar scenes a year later in Australia as England won the series 3-1, with Cook winning Man of the Series. Credit: PACook was given the England captaincy in 2012, at the age of 27. Credit: PAHe won his first Ashes series in the summer of 2013... Credit: PA...but his team were humiliated 5-0 in Australia just a few months later. Credit: PAHe became the the youngest player to score 10,000 test runs last summer, reaching the milestone against Sri Lanka. Credit: PAThe recent heavy series defeat in India was Cook's last as captain. Credit: PACook was recently awarded a CBE by the Prince of Wales. Credit: PA
