'Most surreal four days of my life' – Alastair Cook

Cook scripted his own fairytale at The Oval, scoring a determined century in his final Test innings to back up a fantastic 71 he made in the first dig, not only putting England firmly in the driver's seat, but also capping off a fine career.

England then declared at 423/8, setting India an improbable 464, before their bowlers rocked India's top-order on Monday, 10 September. England need seven wickets on the fifth and final Test to take the series 4-1 and give Cook the perfect farewell gift.

In the course of his final innings, Cook also displaced Kumar Sangakkara to become the highest Test run-getter ever among left-handers, going on to score 147 to finish with a career tally of 12,472 runs – fifth on the all time list.

When Cook reached his century, courtesy over-throws, the crowd got up on their feet and the applause wouldn't cease, so much so Cook was embarrassed by the gesture, and was seen smiling and mouthing the words "come on". To make things even happier for the veteran of 161 Tests, he is also expecting his third child, which added to the occasion.

"It's been the most surreal four days of my life really," said the former England captain after the day's play. "I suppose if she (Alice, his wife) goes into labour tonight that will probably top it off but it's been incredible.

"There's a few of my friends here as well so for that all to happen today and every reception I've had over the last four days it's just been incredible, even that last couple of overs when the whole crowd were singing my Barmy Army (fan) songs, incredibly special."

Through his 12-year international career, which saw him become the highest run-scorer for England, Cook has had no shortage of exceptional cricketing days. After all, he's been instrumental in England's overseas triumphs in Australia and India, among other immense achievements, so he was naturally reluctant to call day four of the fifth Test at The Oval his best.

Cook instead humbly labelled it a "different day". "On a purely selfish point of view, I couldn't have asked for a better week for me, so yes, on that side. But obviously there have been bigger things in more important games that have meant more."

Despite the effort, Cook wasn't going to even entertain the thought of reversing his retirement announcement, adding that he was happy to bow out on a high note.

"To perform and have a day like that I suppose after 160 other games, it's a nice way to go," he said.

"It's just time for me, it's time for my family and now it makes it even better. It's always nice people wanting you a little bit more than trying to kick you out and to go out on your own terms (makes it special).

"Over the last 12-18 months, things have started to creep into my mind and losing that edge which has definitely happened in training and stuff so that decision was made for me, kind of," Cook explained.

"But it's obviously a big decision because chasing your dreams, playing for England is all I've ever really known.

"When you know it's right, it's right. This is just the icing on the cake."