Alastair Cook continues to break records on day one of the final Test

The legendary England cricketer Alastair Cook is set to retire from Test cricket after the fifth Test between England and India. Cook will go down as England’s most prolific run-scorer after shattering several records in his illustrious career spanning 12 years. The great cricketer continued to break records even in his last Test appearance.

Cook scored 71 runs at the top of the order and gave England solid start. However lack of runs from the middle order meant England finished the day at score of 198 for seven wickets. By scoring 71 runs Cook became the first opener in this Test series to score a fifty-plus score.

However, the record everyone is talking about is the most Test runs by a left-hand batsman. Currently this record is held by Kumar Sangakkara who has scored 12400 Test runs in 233 innings. Scoring 71 runs enabled Cook to get closer to Sangakkara and now the English batsman stands at number two with 12325 runs.

In the morning session Cook made batting look placid and it seemed as he could score a big one. But Cook missed on a hundred and also failed to surpass Sangakkara. However, Cook has one more innings and he still has the chance to finish his career as the highest run-scoring left-hand batsman in Test cricket.

Despite failing to make a hundred, Cook received a thunderous ovation as he made his way back to the pavilion.

A wonderful ovation after Cookie falls short of a dream send off.

Scorecard/Videos: https://t.co/6erwzLEIKR

w/ @Schroders#EngvInd #ThankYouChef pic.twitter.com/R7jcM8nhxl

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 7, 2018

Earlier in the morning, Cook was presented a special cap as a farewell gift by ECB and he walked to the crease with a massive applause. He also received the guard of honor by Indian cricket team.

Watch Cook receive guard of honor on day one 

Cook started his Test career with a century on debut against India and now with one innings in his hand, it will be interesting to see whether Cook can finish his career with another century, a feat very few cricketers have achieved across the world.