Alastair Cook: Essex batsman hits century in farewell Test for England

Alastair Cook signed off his England career with a century. Credit: PA

Essex batsman Alastair Cook hit a century in his final innings for England in the fifth Test against India at The Oval.

The 33-year-old reached three figures for the 33rd time in his glittering international career thanks to four overthrows.

Cook, who will retire from international cricket following the end of the match, struggled to hold back the tears as he lapped up the appreciation of the adoring crowd who all rose to their feet to applaud him.

He was eventually caught behind off the bowling of Hanuma Vihari for 147 before leaving the field to a standing ovation.

Cook leaves the field for the final time as an England batsman. Credit: PA

His century also lifted him up to fifth in the all-time list of highest-test run scorers, moving him ahead of Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara.

Fittingly, Cook also scored his first hundred for England on his debut against the same opponents in Nagpur in 2006.

England ended the day in complete control of the fifth Test, setting India an imposing target of 464 to win.

Following Cook's achievement, tributes poured in on social media.