Having just retired from international cricket, Alastair Cook could soon be heading for a knighthood.
The England opener called time on his international career with the final Test against India and bowed out of the game after notching up his 33rd ton in his final innings.
Now, the 33-year-old could be on the shortlist for receiving a knighthood according to a report by the Telegraph.
Cook has already been awarded the title of CBE (Commander of the British Empire) and his name could feature in the Queen’s New Year list.
The last England cricketer to be knighted was Ian Botham in 2007. However, the all-rounder’s knighthood was awarded for his charity work rather than his cricketing contributions. The last England player to be knighted for his contributions towards sports was the late Alec Victor Bedser who was awarded the title in 1996.
Ian Botham was the last England cricketer to be knighted.
The report goes on to state that Cook’s inclusion in the New Year’s list could be championed by Prime Minister Theresa May who is said to be a big fan of the sport.
Cook retired as England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Tests after scoring 12,472 runs in 161 Tests at an average of 45.35. The 33 tons registered by his bat are also the highest by any English batsman and the ninth highest overall in the history of the format.