Graham Gooch has paid tribute to Alastair Cook as "the rock of England's batting" and a "great person as well as a great cricketer". Cook, who has announced his impending international retirement after this week's Oval Test, was the Gooch protege who went on to far surpass even his revered mentor's record run-making achievements. For almost the duration, since Cook first moved on to the playing staff at their county Essex, Gooch has been a guiding force in his fellow opener's unmatched career.

Gooch said: "Alastair has been the rock of England's batting and while we are all sad to see him retire, we must rejoice in what he has done for our country. "He is a genuine legend of English cricket. He is a legend not only because of his performances, but because of his attitude, his sacrifices, the way he has carried himself and the example he has set."