5 standout Test Performances in 2018

Alastair Cook's heroics in his farewell Test

Alastair Cook scored 71 and 147 in his final Test

The legendary former England Captain struggled for runs throughout the year after his epic 244 in last year's Boxing Day test down under. With only one 50 plus score in the next 9 Tests, there was a certain call for his axing from all corners. He read the situation correctly and announced his retirement going into the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval.

Though from series perspective there was no pressure on Cook as the series was won already, but the thought of going out on high might have been weighing down in his mind when he went to bat in the first innings.

Unlike the previous four Tests, he was able to get a good start. He applied himself well at the crease and stitched his innings in his trademark slow and steady way. He played on after scoring a patient 71 off 190 deliveries causing a disappointing sight at The Oval where the fans came to watch a Daddy hundred from The Chef.

But it turned out to be a just couple of days wait for the fans. Cook received a warm welcome from the Indian players as they stood in line as a mark of respect when he stepped into the ground in the second innings to take guard for the last time.

The match was evenly poised with England having just 30 runs lead. Cook got into the groove quickly and started scoring in his own fashion. He got a solid support from his captain Joe Root at the other end. The two blunted the Indian attack churning the runs at their will.

The English fans came in thousands to cheer their best batsman for one last time and he was ensuring they didn't get disappointed. When he got to the three-figure mark, the crowd were on their feet and kept on cheering for minutes before the master himself requested to allow him to move on.

Cook's knock of 147 helped England to put a mammoth target 464 runs for Indians which they fell short by 118 runs. He became the fifth batsman to score centuries on both debut and farewell Tests.