On his birthday, watch Alastair Cook play an exquisite cover drive

Cover drives coming off the blades of left-handers are a treat to watch. There’s a concoction of elegance and flair that enchants the eye as the ball beats the man at mid-off and cruises towards the fence. Sir Alastair Cook has been a proud exponent of the shot and the English legend showed no signs of rust till the end of his County career as he routinely dispatches half-volleys towards the rope in the LV County Championship. The gunshot crack of leather on willow reverberated across the park on each occasion.

Cook announced retirement from all forms of cricket in October 2023, drawing the curtains on an illustrious professional career spanning two decades. He bowed out of Test cricket in 2018 but continued to play on for five more years for his county side, Essex. Cook’s contract with Essex expired at the end of the ongoing season and he decided against extending it. He has been with Essex in County Championship since his debut season in 2003.