Alastair Cook knighthood confirmed in New Year's Honours List

Cook is the first cricketer in over a decade to receive the honour, with Ian Botham being the most recent recipient in 2007, and is the 10th cricketer to be knighted...

Former England captain Alastair Cook is set to receive a knighthood having been included on the 2019 New Year's Honours List.

Rumours that Cook was going to be made a knight have been circulating since early November, when the Metro reported that separate members of the House of Lords had tabled questions recommending that it happen.

These rumours gained pace in recent weeks when The Times reported that it looked increasingly likely, quoting "Whitehall sources".

Cook is the first cricketer in over a decade to receive the honour, with Ian Botham being the most recent recipient in 2007.

^{Ian Botham was the last cricketer to receive a knighthood in 2007}

“I am hugely honoured and proud to be receiving a knighthood,” the Essex opener said in a statement.

“Many people have helped me during my career and without them and fantastic team-mates and coaches it would not have been possible to achieve all that I have.

“I want to thank all those who have been involved and supported me and my family. I will continue to be involved with cricket and intend to try and show what a positive effect sport can have on everyone’s lives.”