Alastair Cook created headlines after he notched up a memorable ton in his last test match to bid adieu in style. However he has thanked Jasprit Bumrah for saving him from some nervousness as a overthrow by Indian pacer brought up his century.
Scenario
For the last time in England colours, Cook made his way to the center with huge standing ovation from the crowd. Batting at 96, he drove Ravindra Jadeja to the cover area. Bumrah collected the ball and aimed at the stumps which was not given a backup by any fielder and it gave 5 runs to Cook as he completed his 33rd test century.
Cook said that it would have been embarrassing if Cheteshwar Pujara, who was chasing the bowl would have stopped it but luckily for him the ball won the race and he thanked Bumrah for the overthrow.
“I remember cutting it for 97 thinking that’s three more to go. Just as he (Bumrah) let it go I thought, hang on a minute – he’s launched that pretty hard’. As soon as I saw Ravi (Jadeja) not anywhere near it I thought hang on a minute hang on a minute’.
“Look – it (the overthrow) saved me a lot of heartache. He’s (Bumrah) also caused me a lot of heartache in this series. For him to then give me that little moment there, I’ll thank him for a while,” said Cook.
“Then obviously it erupted. Joe (Root) didn’t say anything. He was just saying wow. He was just smiling. I think he was telling me to better take it in. The ovation was just incredible. That’s probably the only one I’ve really taken in and thought – wow’. Then obviously the last 10-minutes as well today was special, he added.
Thanking for a memorable farewell
“I can’t really describe the emotions I have felt in the last few days. It’s just been the most surreal four days of my life really. For all that to happen today, and every reception I’ve had over the last four days, it’s just been incredible. Even that last couple of overs, when the whole crowd were singing my ‘Barmy Army’ song, it was incredibly special, said Cook.
“From a purely selfish point of view, I couldn’t have asked for a better week. But there have been bigger things, in more important games, which have meant more. On a purely emotional level, with a lot of my friends and family here, Alice’s granddad here, my mum and dad, Alice’s mum and dad, most of the farmers from Bedfordshire (his friends) as well.
“In one way, everybody said the pressure will be off. But it’s been one of those weeks where every reception I’ve got, then not to go and get nought, get out early, it has brought a different kind of pressure. To perform and have a day like that, after 160 other games, it’s a nice way to go, he added.
