England cricket captain Alastair Cook has today been awarded an honorary degree from the University of Essex.

Dr Cook, as he can now be known, told an audience of almost 250 at the University’s Colchester Campus that he promised his mother he would one day get a degree – and now he has.

The world-renowned opening batsman has broken several English cricket records since becoming captain of the Test team in August 2012. He became England's leading Test century-maker in December 2012 after making a hundred against India, and is the youngest player to pass 7,000 runs. He has also scored a record-breaking five successive centuries in his first five games as captain.

Brought up in Essex, 28-year-old Dr Cook had his first-class debut for Essex County Cricket Club in 2003 and previously played for Maldon Cricket Club. Members of both cricket clubs were in the audience to see him collect his honour.

The award ceremony was followed by a Question and Answer session where staff, students and guests were able to quiz him on everything from his favourite batsmen to his views on drop-in pitches.

Dr Dominic Micklewright, Dean of Sport at the University, told Dr Cook that “the country, the county and the University are proud” of him.

University of Essex Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jules Pretty said: “Alastair Cook has become one of Essex and England’s finest cricketers and this was a welcome opportunity to acknowledge his contribution to both the sport and the county.

“It was an honour for our students, staff and guests to hear first-hand about his approach to excellence in cricket and his world-class sporting achievements at the ceremony.”

Notes to editors
For photos of Alastair Cook receiving his honorary degree from the University of Essex, contact the University of Essex Communications Office, telephone 01206 872400, e-mail comms@essex.ac.uk.

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