England Test skipper and opening batsman Alastair Cook, who had played a pivotal role in England’s Ashes win in 2010-11 followed by Ashes win as a captain in 2013, has been honoured as the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), on Saturday at the Buckingham Palace by Prince Charles.
The 32-year-old Cook, who had scored 10,000 Test runs – to become the youngest overall batsman, has described the moment memorable for him and his family after receiving the prestigious award.
“This is a very special moment not just for me, but my family and friends. It’s a very proud moment to be awarded this,” Alastair Cook was quoted as saying by Daily Mail.
At the age of 31, Cook crossed the 10,000-run mark against Sri Lanka in the second Test in May last year.
Cook also spoke about his achievements and favourite moments as a skipper.
“The highlights of my career? Hopefully there’s a few more to come but certainly winning the Ashes home and away – and obviously when we won away and I was man of the series was very special, and captaining when we won the Ashes,” Cook revealed.
However, after the recent 4-0 drubbing in the five-match Test series against India, Cook came under severe criticism over teams dismal performance.
The critics suggested Cook step down from the captaincy.
Cook, who made his Test debut against India scored his maiden century at Nagpur in his second innings, has also spoken with Prince Charles during the ceremony.
“We spoke a little bit about cricket, farming and he wished me good luck,” Cook concluded.
In 2012, Cook replaced Andrew Strauss as a skipper after his retirement.