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Not just from the England captaincy, not just from test cricket, not even from international cricket, but full stop.

From captain of the number one test team to 'not playing cricket any more' in one fell swoop.

Blimey.

Aye, it was quite an announcement. When the press conference was announced it was suspected that he would perhaps retire the captaincy and possibly playing test cricket, but quitting all forms of the game is really quite a drastic manouver.

Retired before he got sacked as captain?

His personel performances in the last few test series have been pretty mediocre and had he not been captain he probably would have been dropped.

Be interesting to see how Cook gets on in India and then Australia.

Can see headlines now "Captain Cook returns to Australia"

I think he could have kept the job had he wanted it. He must have really had enough to quit all cricket.

Didn't someone say Andrew Strauss and Louise Mensch have a swapsies pact? Imagine that.



Oh, it was me who said that by the way. and i was just making it up, honest.

The whole Pietersen business was there as a get out of jail if he'd wanted to use it, so he must have wanted out.

As to the Mensch swap, I for one would stay up all night to see an Aussie fast bowler pop her some chin music.

It's always a shame to see someone retire when their performances are dipping somewhat, and now you can't see his retirement ever not being associated with this whole KP-malarky.

He has at least had an impressive career, that hopefully people will remember him by. Personally I remember listening to his debut with a few class mates and our history teacher in one of the german rooms, and just being glued to the wireless. I think that was the first time I really got how people could listen to TMS without it just being a nice thing to have in the background whilst you were doing something "significant". The other standout moment for me was the 4th Test in 2005, when I was on holiday in Northumberland and I'd just returned from a swim to settle down in front of the television with a cup of tea and a biscuit, only to witness that catch. A signed print of that is possibly one of the favourite images that I own.

You mean you'd like to see her down at the members end, facing a couple of balls?

Who?

Mark

Erm Sir, You appear to be trolling this thread.

and from now on I shall refer to KP as "Gavin Henson"

I've heard she's got quite a lot of experience at long third leg.

I hope she remembers to use an extra cover if third man is that deep.

Definitely a case of sticky wicket.