Alastair Cook

One of the greatest ever cricketers, Alistair Cook is the former England captain and four-time Ashes winner. A formidable force on the pitch, Cook holds a number of international records for his twelve years representing England, and remains undefeated as the most capped player in Tests and as Captain for the country. Named the Country’s Greatest Test XI by the England and Wales Cricket Board in 2018, Cook is the ideal sports speaker, having been at the forefront of the game for over a decade and been on the pitch for some of the most influential games in the sports’ history, which he discusses as an enthralling after dinner speaker.

Making his debut for the England national team in 2006 proved to be a pivotal point in Cook’s career, as he swiftly gained a reputation as a prolific batsman. Becoming the youngest player in the world to score 2,000, 3,000, 4,0000, 5,000 and 6,000 Test runs further solidified Cook’s place in the sport’s history. Gaining captaincy in 2009, Cook led the team to victory in his debut Test, repeating the same victory in his first One Day International as he leader of England. Representing his country in every format of the game, Cook’s unfaltering skill on the pitch and record making matches, have seen him hailed a legend of cricket.

Equally prominent in club cricket, Cook had already established himself as a naturally gifted player as a member of the Essex youth team, when he was given his first class debut for the side in 2003. Playing for the team for the duration of his club career, Cook secured his place as an opener for the county side early on, and scored his first century by 2004. For his exploits on the pitch for Essex, Cook was awarded the PCA Young Cricketer of the Year 2005 and most recently helped his team to win the 2019 Country Championship.

With unparalleled career statistics, and an unprecedented number of British records, Cook was recognised by the Queen in the 2019 New Years Honours as a Knight Bachelor for his services to cricket. Since retiring from international competition in 2018, Cook has focused on philanthropic activities and developing his passion for farming. Additionally, he has risen to prominence as an after dinner speaker, equipped with anecdotes from top flight cricket and first hand experience of the qualities such as leadership and mental resilience, required to succeed.