Arise, Sir Alastair Cook?

The former England captain retired from international cricket with a hundred in his final innings at The Oval

Having been a hero for England for more than a decade, playing the game with a level of skill, grace, and humility that won him adoration across the cricketing globe, there are rumours that Alastair Cook could be in line for a knighthood.

Cook retired from international cricket in September having played 161 Tests (the most by any England player), made 12,472 Test runs (the most by any England player), and scored 33 centuries (the most by any England player).

He topped it all off with a fairytale ending in his final Test against India at The Oval where his century in the final innings was greeted with a roar and applause seldom heard or seen at a game of Test cricket.

Cook celebrates his final century at The Oval

Last month, a member of the House of Lords submitted a question to the House asking "Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to recommending Alastair Cook a knighthood".

According to a report in the Metro newspaper, Lord Tyrie, who was at one time described as the "the most powerful backbencher in the House of Commons",  has also written to the authorities in charge.

He said that "it is not just that Alastair Cook is unquestionably the best batsman England have produced in recent years but that he can make a massive contribution as an ambassador for cricket at home. Nobody would be more deserving."

If he were to be knighted, he would join a very select group of living cricketers including Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Richard Hadlee and the great Garry Sobers.

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.