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Cricket => England Test => Topic started by: essexfan548 on September 03, 2018, 11:33:39 AM

Title: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 03, 2018, 11:33:39 AM
Just seen it on the website.

Very interesting that he wants to play for Essex next season :)

I guess with a new baby expected any day he wants to be nearer home over the winter.

He's been a fantastic servant of England cricket - thanks Alastair for all those years :)
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 03, 2018, 11:39:36 AM
A more limited batsman than Gooch, but he shared the same mental toughness as the latter.  If only we could've worked out a better top 3 over the past few years, he'd have scored more and probably not retired.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: afinetickletoleg on September 03, 2018, 01:42:10 PM
Its a shame that the media have been wishing for this, let's see if it ends the run of 30 for 3's.
I doubt it as it has seemed for years that if Cook or Root don't score big the team doesn't score big.

Well done Cookie, a great career and I would say the last of our batsmen with a test match mentality.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 03, 2018, 03:46:59 PM
A more limited batsman than Gooch, but he shared the same mental toughness as the latter.  If only we could've worked out a better top 3 over the past few years, he'd have scored more and probably not retired.

Very true words indeed, it was the same with Gooch as he had umpteen openings partners over the years & he was relied on too often as Ally has been.
Such a shame Ally has decided to call time but given his run in recent times he should be given great credit for his achievements, being selfish hopefully Essex can benefit from this.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: pablo on September 03, 2018, 03:48:53 PM
I don't understand why he is going to play in this. What's the point other than to give him a hail and farewell? I would have thought it a better idea to play/blood someone who might tour in the Winter.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: neil on September 03, 2018, 03:58:09 PM
I don't understand why he is going to play in this. What's the point other than to give him a hail and farewell? I would have thought it a better idea to play/blood someone who might tour in the Winter.

But, perhaps, one of the major points is to give him a hail and farewell. And, he is still one of our best players.

We've won the series. What's one test against a (very good) beaten side going to prove. Suppose the replacement (Burns, I guess) fails badly. - and let's face it the batters at 1,2 and 3 haven't excelled this season. How is that going to help their confidence?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: DT on September 03, 2018, 05:43:06 PM
I don't understand why he is going to play in this. What's the point other than to give him a hail and farewell? I would have thought it a better idea to play/blood someone who might tour in the Winter.




They might blood someone by replacing Jennings anyway!!!

I bet Ali will get to open in either this test or the winter to ‘plug the gap’.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Slogger on September 03, 2018, 06:11:20 PM
It crossed my mind there may have been a touch of mutual consent about this. England may have been contemplating dropping him from the winter tours so this suited everyone? I  hope he plays on for a few years.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: squarelegumpire on September 04, 2018, 06:15:24 AM
It crossed my mind there may have been a touch of mutual consent about this. England may have been contemplating dropping him from the winter tours so this suited everyone? I  hope he plays on for a few years.

Seconded. On both counts.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Perov on September 04, 2018, 07:03:50 AM
Interesting to hear Goochie tell the story about Alistair, in his early days with Essex, and the breakfast  mix up.
Apparently at the Essex team hotel, the umpires were also staying there.
At breakfast, Cookie mistook an umpire ( a senior umpire at that) for the waiter, and gave him instructions on how he wanted his boiled eggs cooked.
This umpire took offence at this "mistake", and never forgot this incident.

This was reflected in future years, with a number of dubious decisions given by the said umpire against Cookie.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: DT on September 04, 2018, 11:01:47 AM
Yes that was a great story, recommend those who didn’t listen to 5Live last night should do so on catch up!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: firehazard on September 04, 2018, 02:26:32 PM
Well played, Mr Cook. And very good to hear he wants to continue for us.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Gilders on September 04, 2018, 04:03:59 PM
After the Oval test he will have no more England commitments ever.

Does that make him free to play for Essex in the last couple of CC games if he wants to or will ECB still have their say?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: JasonP on September 04, 2018, 04:27:18 PM
After the Oval test he will have no more England commitments ever.

Does that make him free to play for Essex in the last couple of CC games if he wants to or will ECB still have their say?
Technically, I guess, his central contract would probably run out at the end of the summer but I can't see any reason why the ECB wouldn't let him play for Essex if he wanted to.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: SirChef26 on September 04, 2018, 06:05:27 PM
His wife is due to give birth around the same time as the Oval test. So I’d safely assume that Chef is done for the year after the game.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 04, 2018, 07:12:37 PM
I guess Ally won't play again this season after The Oval Test unless Essex were in danger of going down (unlikely), he can/should spend some quality & long overdue time with his young family & enjoy ,for him, the rare luxury of a full winter at home & come back fighting fit & refreshed for 2019.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Blocky on September 05, 2018, 07:11:48 AM
Well said Ilford.

Brilliant man on, and off the pitch.  We won't see that record broken I think.  Test cricket is decreasing.  Root won't break it if he continues his current form....

England's No1. Alastair Cook.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: mawallace on September 05, 2018, 12:30:02 PM
See he has signed until 2021!!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: bwildered on September 06, 2018, 10:46:00 AM
A report in one paper states that because he was centrally contract, the ECB will pay his wages next season .
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 07, 2018, 12:19:15 PM
37 not out at lunch...keep going Chef, that's an order.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: LeedsExile on September 07, 2018, 01:06:42 PM
They said today on TMS that although Cook has signed a three year contract it is on the understanding that if he is not doing well early next season then he will just retire. Seems reasonable to me as it is very hard to guess how he will be after a complete rest from cricket this winter.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 07, 2018, 02:49:48 PM
They said today on TMS that although Cook has signed a three year contract it is on the understanding that if he is not doing well early next season then he will just retire. Seems reasonable to me as it is very hard to guess how he will be after a complete rest from cricket this winter.

Well, perhaps a shorter contract would be more sensible.  You're right, even he won't know whether he will physically or mentally want to play county cricket.  At least, unlike Gooch, he won't be scrabbling around to try to get a position at the ECB.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: bwildered on September 07, 2018, 06:49:44 PM
Hollywood / Bollywood blockbuster on the cards
 Can see the scenario, ploughing the field, national test side in total disarray, selector arrives in helicopter MCC1 , the test side need you , the only batsmen in the country that can bat for over hundred deliveries ....
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: nat on September 07, 2018, 07:08:09 PM
Hollywood / Bollywood blockbuster on the cards
 Can see the scenario, ploughing the field, national test side in total disarray, selector arrives in helicopter MCC1 , the test side need you , the only batsmen in the country that can bat for over hundred deliveries ....

A bit like David Steele in the 1970s. Got a bonus for runs scored ... lamb chops.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 07, 2018, 07:25:41 PM
I notice that just for once The Ego has stayed silent & not said anything about Ally's retirement, neither has his unofficial mouthpiece Piers Morgan , who incidentally knows nothing about cricket. Ally was right when he said he was the scapegoat in the KP affair - he was & shouldn't have been, as Ally said he had a say in the matter but wasn't the one who decided it! Obviously too subtle for somebody like The Ego to understand.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: JasonP on September 07, 2018, 07:35:50 PM
I notice that just for once The Ego has stayed silent & not said anything about Ally's retirement, neither has his unofficial mouthpiece Piers Morgan , who incidentally knows nothing about cricket. Ally was right when he said he was the scapegoat in the KP affair - he was & shouldn't have been, as Ally said he had a say in the matter but wasn't the one who decided it! Obviously too subtle for somebody like The Ego to understand.

You obviously haven't seen Piers Morgan's Twitter page. 
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 07, 2018, 08:08:04 PM
I notice that just for once The Ego has stayed silent & not said anything about Ally's retirement, neither has his unofficial mouthpiece Piers Morgan , who incidentally knows nothing about cricket. Ally was right when he said he was the scapegoat in the KP affair - he was & shouldn't have been, as Ally said he had a say in the matter but wasn't the one who decided it! Obviously too subtle for somebody like The Ego to understand.

You obviously haven't seen Piers Morgan's Twitter page.

Clearly PM is still hoping that KP has finally watched that DVD of Brokeback Mountain...
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 08, 2018, 08:03:33 AM
I notice that just for once The Ego has stayed silent & not said anything about Ally's retirement, neither has his unofficial mouthpiece Piers Morgan , who incidentally knows nothing about cricket. Ally was right when he said he was the scapegoat in the KP affair - he was & shouldn't have been, as Ally said he had a say in the matter but wasn't the one who decided it! Obviously too subtle for somebody like The Ego to understand.

You obviously haven't seen Piers Morgan's Twitter page.

Twitter is too much for us older ones!!
It's enough just keeping up with the Forum & daily E Mails!!

Clearly PM is still hoping that KP has finally watched that DVD of Brokeback Mountain...
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Valentines Park on September 08, 2018, 09:46:17 AM

Clearly PM is still hoping that KP has finally watched that DVD of Brokeback Mountain...

More like Hunchback of Notre Dame with KP as Esmeralda & PM as Quasimodo.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 08, 2018, 02:15:28 PM

Clearly PM is still hoping that KP has finally watched that DVD of Brokeback Mountain...

More like Hunchback of Notre Dame with KP as Esmeralda & PM as Quasimodo.
Neither tale of unrequited love ended well, but if I remember rightly... I wonder if Chef will stir things up with an update to his autobiography?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 08, 2018, 03:05:19 PM
Good interview with Aggers here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p06kkvr3
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: mawallace on September 09, 2018, 10:36:23 AM
Looks like he will try to fit in media work around playing for us - see the Telegraph report and Cricinfo

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cricket/2018/09/08/ben-stokes-will-face-cricket-disciplinary-hearing-december/

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/24613232/alastair-cook-talks-swift-move-commentary-box
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Perov on September 09, 2018, 02:34:22 PM
Much as I love Cookie, his delivery, errm, in the past, errm, has never, errm, been fluent so considerable improvement is needed to make an acceptable broadcaster.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Valentines Park on September 09, 2018, 03:46:50 PM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: afinetickletoleg on September 10, 2018, 12:22:14 PM
Well done Cookie, what a way to go out.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 10, 2018, 12:36:33 PM
Fantastic! His wife's due date is today too ....
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: ytsejam on September 10, 2018, 01:22:48 PM
Brilliant way to go out, was inevitable really. England are going to miss him so much.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: squarelegumpire on September 10, 2018, 03:45:18 PM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.

It’s being so cheerful as keeps you going, isn’t it!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 10, 2018, 04:46:47 PM
Having watched on Sky Ally batting on Friday was gutted he didn't get a ton , watched yesterday willing him to get a big score, came back from work this morning, walked the dogs & switched on just as he was 96no (perfect timing) & admit to shedding a tear or two & also when he got out. What a superb player, Eng will really miss him for his runs, his influence, his presence, his experience etc. Listening to the commentators talking at Lunch about him was also good, a good man as well as everything else, lovely to see him getting various standing ovations from the crowd & also credit to India for their congratulations to Ally as well.
I cannot wait to see Ally on a more regular basis for Essex next year, Thank You Ally for your magnificent Eng career.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: SirChef26 on September 10, 2018, 04:55:11 PM
If you find an Essex fan who isn’t bursting with pride right now then check his heart. Well done Chef, one of our own and coming home next season to bring back the glory years!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 10, 2018, 05:32:49 PM
If you find an Essex fan who isn’t bursting with pride right now then check his heart. Well done Chef, one of our own and coming home next season to bring back the glory years!

There are some female Essex fans who are pretty proud of him too  :)
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Valentines Park on September 10, 2018, 05:59:11 PM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.

It’s being so cheerful as keeps you going, isn’t it!

That wasn't a criticism of Chef.

Just the berks like Key.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: nat on September 10, 2018, 07:05:44 PM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.

It’s being so cheerful as keeps you going, isn’t it!

That wasn't a criticism of Chef.

Just the berks like Key.

The sun rarely shines in your house?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Postman on September 10, 2018, 07:28:01 PM
An outstanding final innings. Having watched his Essex debut in 2003 and seen him at the height of his powers in Australia in 2010/11, I was willing him on today and was so pleased that he got there. Let's hope he can produce some more for us next season.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Blocky on September 11, 2018, 06:42:48 AM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.

It’s being so cheerful as keeps you going, isn’t it!

PMSL!!! ;D
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Blocky on September 11, 2018, 06:45:37 AM
I watched most of the day on Sky and with the Mrs for company.  How very kind of the Indian's to lob him a 5 to get his ton up!
Possibly the most emotional I've been watching sport for many years.  Absolutely the best ever.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: nat on September 11, 2018, 07:07:43 AM
I watched most of the day on Sky and with the Mrs for company.  How very kind of the Indian's to lob him a 5 to get his ton up!
Possibly the most emotional I've been watching sport for many years.  Absolutely the best ever.
Really? Better than Gooch?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Blocky on September 11, 2018, 07:26:41 AM
yep, I think so.  I've watched all of the 2 careers from fairly close, and I think Chef edges it. 
All relative though.  Both our lads and I'm equally proud of their achievements, as I'm sure are most of us.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 11, 2018, 10:28:25 AM
yep, I think so.  I've watched all of the 2 careers from fairly close, and I think Chef edges it. 
All relative though.  Both our lads and I'm equally proud of their achievements, as I'm sure are most of us.

Nah. I thought Chef would be, because Gooch took a longer time to mature into a consistent performer for club and country.

However, chef was found out and never really progressed from someone with a patience and the ability to work the ball through mid wicket whereas Gooch went from a destroyer of fast bowling through to a steady reliable performer who could hold an innings together.

Neither had a permanent opening partner for long spells, which handicapped Chef more than Gooch. Both have shown a willingness to play for ECCC - despite the massive increase in international cricket in the 2000s.

Perhaps Chef clung on in white ball cricket too long, also the captaincy. But the ECB ended up throwing all the various captaincies at Chef because his professionalism put him above the other candidates.

Ultimately neither man would hang around in bars looking for fights, instead dedicating themselves to their profession. I feel proud to have either as skipper of my team, whether club or country, whereas others have made me embarrassed...
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Valentines Park on September 11, 2018, 11:15:39 AM
Can't be any worse than some of the deadbeats Sky employ.

It’s being so cheerful as keeps you going, isn’t it!

PMSL!!! ;D

You can get pads for that.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Gilders on September 12, 2018, 01:08:56 PM
ECCC and BBC websites both say he is not available for Essex for the rest of the season.

His choice or ECB's?  Assume his central contract runs to end of season so they can still tell us and him what to do until the contract expires, even if he has retired from international cricket.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Slogger on September 12, 2018, 01:17:42 PM
With his wife about to give birth I imagine he's due paternity leave!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: LeedsExile on September 12, 2018, 02:21:12 PM
He said yesterday that "he needed to sleep for a week" to recover from all the emotion of the Test match. No surprise that he is not available to next season.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 12, 2018, 03:39:15 PM
He said yesterday that "he needed to sleep for a week" to recover from all the emotion of the Test match. No surprise that he is not available to next season.

He won't get much sleep once no 3 arrives!
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: IlfordEagle on September 12, 2018, 09:01:07 PM
Good of Mrs Cook to delay the impending birth until after the Test Series!!
Seeing the mention of Gooch made me think of the 2 of them as our openers in our best ever eleven - no contest!!
Of the 2 Gooch was more likely to win a match by his often destructive batting (although he also helped save matches) whereas Ally tends to be more of a match saver but together they would be formidable, I too count myself lucky to have seen most of their careers for Essex & both in different ways have given great enjoyment.
As has been said they were both fine ambassadors for Essex & England showing great professionalism at all times & being a credit to Club & country.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: bwildered on September 20, 2018, 06:52:37 PM
 The media presented him 32 craft bottles of ale, one for each of his test centuries, and then also had to buy him another after his last test .
Will get him in another if he ever visited to collect it .
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Valentines Park on September 20, 2018, 07:14:18 PM
Hopefully no Master Brew for Master Chef.
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 20, 2018, 09:06:18 PM
Hopefully no Master Brew for Master Chef.

A cunning plan is forming in my mind: substituting tins of Fosters with something even less palatable in the Aussie dressing room...
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: essexfan548 on September 20, 2018, 09:22:20 PM
Hopefully no Master Brew for Master Chef.

A cunning plan is forming in my mind: substituting tins of Fosters with something even less palatable in the Aussie dressing room...

Is that possible?
Title: Re: Chef announces his retirement from International cricket
Post by: Andy on September 21, 2018, 12:32:50 PM
Hopefully no Master Brew for Master Chef.

A cunning plan is forming in my mind: substituting tins of Fosters with something even less palatable in the Aussie dressing room...

Is that possible?

Well, if the Amber Nectar has already just passed through one drinker...never drink a warm Fosters...