England's all-time record run-scorer Alastair Cook will retire from international cricket after this week's Oval Test. Cook, who has made 12,254 runs in a 160-Test career over the past 12 years, issued a statement yesterday confirming the news. He described it as a "sad day" but says he will retire "with a big smile on my face, knowing I have given everything".

The former captain, a four-time Ashes winner, added that at the age of 33 "there is nothing left in the tank" to continue to serve beyond this summer as Test opener. Cook said: "After much thought and deliberation over the last few months I have decided to announce my retirement from international cricket at the end of this Test series against India. "Although it is a sad day, I can do with a big smile on my face, knowing I have given everything, and there is nothing left in the tank. I have achieved more than I could have ever imagined and feel very privileged to have played for such a long time alongside some of the greats of the English game."