The Times says the former England captain, who retired from international duty in the summer at the end of a distinguished 12-year career, is to become a 'Sir'
Alastair Cook is to receive a knighthood for services to cricket in the New Year's Honours list, according to reports.
The Times says the former England captain, who retired from international duty in the summer at the end of a distinguished 12-year career, is to become a 'Sir'.
The national side's highest ever Test runscorer, who holds the world record for the most consecutive appearances for his country in the format, would become the first cricketing knight of the realm since Sir Ian Botham received the honour in 2007.
He would also be only the 10th of all time and the first to still be playing county cricket at the time - Cook recently signed a new contract to represent Essex for the next three seasons.
ENGLAND'S CRICKETING KNIGHTSFrancis Lacey, Pelham Warner, Jack Hobbs, Henry Leveson-Gower, Len Hutton, Gubby Allen, Colin Cowdrey, Alec Bedser, Ian Botham
Cook was made a CBE two years ago. His farewell century against India at The Oval in September was nominated as one of five 'Moments of the Year' at the BBC Sports Personality Awards last week.
Metro reported in November that a motion had been tabled in the House of Lords to give the 33-year-old a knighthood.
Right Hon Lord Andrew Tyrie was said to have asked a Parliamentary question proposing Cook.
"It is not just that Alastair Cook is unquestionably the best batsman England have produced in recent years but that he can make a massive contribution as an ambassador for cricket at home and abroad," Lord Tyrie was quoted as saying at the time.
"Nobody could be more deserving."
Posted by Mr Lloyd Birch on 21/12/2018 at 19:19
Congratulations to Alistair Cook - No English batsman deserves it more - just check the records.
Posted by Brian Ashworth on 21/12/2018 at 16:54
I cannot see how a single person can object to this assuming it is true. The dedication he has given at the cost obviously of family life that cannot be recovered is one example deserving of this, let alone his perfect demeanour with no rancour, grievance etc on the field. Personally don't think he ever wanted to be captain, and if he hadn't been, how much more might he have given?
Posted by David Rimmer on 20/12/2018 at 22:12
Assuming this news is going to be verified, I would have preferred that Alastair Cook to have been given the Knightood after he retired from playing. However, it is well deserved not least for his level-headed dignity. He joins some distinguished names and for different reason I would put him alongside Sir Jack Hobbs and Sir Alec Bedser. Bedser may have been gruff, but this trio in their different ways have been selfless in their devotion to the game. Bedser gave so much to the game after he retired not least as Chairman of Selectors. As a bachelor he literally married the game whereas I suspect Cook with a young family has more balance in his life.
Posted by Morninglight on 19/12/2018 at 03:17
how can you do this? you just ruined poor 'Sir' Geoffrey Boycott's Christmas. Sir Geoffrey must be grinding his teeth, but maybe B.Palace is considering a peerage for him. Lord Boycott sounds better.
Posted by Graham Pryke on 18/12/2018 at 12:03
Not just his achievements on the field but his thoroughly professional attitude off the field show that you can still be a good guy & be competitive. best wishes to him & his family. great way to end the year
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