Alastair Cook has announced his retirement from the England cricket team.

The former captain will play his 161st and final Test at The Oval against India this week.

The 33-year-old calls it a day as the only Englishman with over 12,000 Test runs and bows out with a record 32 centuries.

“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," he said in a statement released on Monday.

Alastair Cook - career in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 Alastair Cook - career in pictures Alastair Cook - career in pictures Retirement Alastair Cook will retire from international cricket at the end of the series with India Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Debut Alastair Cook scored a century on his Test debut in 2006. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Ashes whitewash Cook was named man of the series in the 2010/11 Ashes. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Series victory He was crucial to England winning a first Ashes series Down Under since 1987. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures MBE Cook was awarded an MBE for his achievements in 2011. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Captain Following Andrew Strauss' resignation, Cook was appointed England Test captain in 2011. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Record-breaker The 2012 tour of India saw England win their first series there as he became England's record century scores with his 23rd 100. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Ashes retained England won their third straight Ashes series in 2013. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Ashes regained After losing the 2013/14 Ashes series, Cook's side regained the Urn in 2015. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Changing of the guard But it was soon clear that Joe Root was being eyed as Cook's long-term successor in more ways than one. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Ashes victory Cook lifts the Urn after England's 2015 triumph. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures History-maker Cook retires as England's record run-scorer, highest century scorer, most-capped captain and sixth-highest run scorer in Test cricket. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Redemption He bounced back from criticism of his captaincy with a series win over Sri Lanka in 2016. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Final stand That was followed by a 2-2 draw with Pakistan as he equalled Don Bradman's 29 centuries in the second Test. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Stepping down Cook announced in 2017 that he was stepping down as captain, with Joe Root his replacement. Getty Alastair Cook - career in pictures Ashes resistance Cook's 2016/17 highlight proved to be the 244 not-out in the fourth Test in Melbourne. Getty

“Although it is a sad day, I can do so 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.

"The thought of not sharing the dressing room, again, with some of my teammates was the hardest part of my decision, but I know the timing is right.

“I have loved cricket my whole life from playing in the garden as a child and will never underestimate how special it is to pull on an England shirt. So I know it is the right time to give the next generation of young cricketers their turn to entertain us and feel the immense pride that comes with representing your country.

“There are too many people to thank individually, but a special mention must go to Graham Gooch. As a seven year-old I queued for his autograph outside Essex County Cricket Club and years later was so fortunate to have him mentoring me. Graham was my sounding board, especially in the early years of my career, spending hour after hour throwing balls at me with his dog stick. He made me realise you always need to keep improving whatever you are trying to achieve.

“My family and I have had 12 wonderful years fulfilling my dreams and this could not have been done without them. So I wish to thank my parents and brothers, my wife, Alice, and her family for their quiet, unwavering support behind the scenes. As cricketers, who travel frequently, we often don’t realise just how important our families are to our success.

Cook has scored more centuries than any other Englishman (Getty)

“I would also like to thank Essex County Cricket Club for their help and support ever since I was 12, and I can’t wait to get fully involved with them in the 2019 season.