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#3. Alastair Cook
England's highest run scorer in Tests, Alastair Cook was one of the greatest Test batsmen in the modern era. His sound technique and an exquisite cover drive was always a treat to watch.
Cook is one of the few players to have scored a century in his debut and his last Test and has a record 33 centuries in total. As a captain, he led England to a historic Test series victory in India in 2012, which came after a span of 28 years.
Cook announced his international retirement in September 2018 with the final Test against India at the Oval being his last. He announced his retirement due to widespread criticisms about his continuous failings as an opening batsman.
His final Test brought the best in him when he scored a patient 71 in the first innings followed by flamboyant innings of 147 in the second. It was a perfect finish to Cook's career as England cruised to a series win in the five-match Test series, winning it with a 4-1 margin. This Test also witnessed James Anderson taking over from Glenn McGrath as the leading wicket-taker in Tests among the fast bowlers.
