When Sir Alastair Cook retired from professional cricket at the end of the 2023, it capped the end of a remarkable playing career. In scoring more than 34,000 in his professional career, including 88 centuries, Sir Alastair became one of the most feared and respected players the game has ever seen.
Sir Alastair’s cricket journey began with us in the 1990’s. This page charts his time in Maldon colours, and explains why his unique bond to this club remains so strong to this day. We have drawn upon extracts from old club handbooks to tell the tale of his remarkable cricketing journey.
1996
Sir Alastair first appears in a club handbook following a superb debut at the age of 11 for the club’s 3rd XI. A last minute call up following a last minute withdrawl, Alastair made 64, and wrote the first page of his incredible cricketing story.
1997
The Under 12’s were champions of the Osborne Garages League after an
incredible Finals Day from Alastair. He made 70 not out in the semi-final and
100 not out in the final. As Alan Sims and Keith Bannister wrote in their end
of year report in the handbook, "club members are beginning to become
aware of his outstanding talent."
Alastair and David Randall appear together in the handbook for the first
time. The pair added 64 for the 1st wicket against Harwich for captain Mike
Newman. Both at this stage are prodigious talents, with David Essex’s Under 12s
Player of the Year and Alastair in the London School Under 12s team.
1998
The Under 16’s reach the Matchplay Quarter Finals for the very first time. This competition pitted every club in Essex against each other to find the best Under 16’s side. Despite only being 13, Alastair was a key part of this side, making 44 in the Quarter Final defeat to eventual champions Hordon on the Hill.
1999
Arguably one of Sir Alastair’s greatest Maldon games saw him again combining with David Randall. Chasing Frinton’s 238 at Drapers, the pair of 14 years olds added 183 for the first wicket. Both of them narrowly missed out on centuries- Alastair 88 and David 95 fell before Dave Richardson and John Ellis steered us to victory in the final over. Alastair also made 74 not out in the Matchplay win over West Essex.
2000
Sir Alastair made his 1st XI debut in the vital Division 1 title decider at Braintree. Batting in the final overs at number 9, Alastair made 8 before being stumped. He kept wicket, holding a vital catch as we won by 12 runs to become Division 1 champions for the first time.
2001
Sir Alastair’s growing commitments to Essex pathway cricket meant he was restricted to just 6 games in a Maldon shirt in 2001. He did register a fifty in the East Anglian Premier League, making 69 as he added 164 for the 4th wicket with Dutchman Tom De Grooth. Sir Alastair was part of Robbie Barber’s squad who ended their maiden season in the East Anglian Premier League in 9th place, finishing one place ahead of the relegated Halstead.
2002
Cooky made 10 appearances in 2002, scoring 327 runs at an average of 46. This included 122 not out again Vauxhall Mallards, the fiercest and most successful club in the competition at this point. His contributions helped the club to 8th place and to more EAPL cricket in 2003.
2003
2003 will go down as one of the greatest seasons in club history. A 2nd place finish in the EAPL for the 1st XI was coupled with promotion for the 2nd XI and a title victory for John Hill’s Division C side. Sir Alastair weighed in with 451 runs at an average of 90. This included 164* against Cambridge and Godmanchester at Drapers- it was a good day to impress- Essex had sent Keith Fletcher (former Essex and England captain) to scout Alastair! At the end of this season, Alastair made his Essex debut and start his journey into professional cricket.
2004
His final campaign in Maldon colours consisted of just 3 matches. A rare duck in his opening game was followed by 108* against Bury St Edmunds and 60* at Mildenhall. A seasons average of 168 reflected the upward trajectory he was on, and was a superb way to sign off.
Since then…
Sir Alastair has remained a consistent face around the club. From watching matches, sending kit to old team mates to coaching youngsters, Sir Alastair has been the perfect role model to all our members. His brothers Laurence & Adrian continued to represent the club for years, and Graham was heavily involved in coaching the Ladies team for many years.
Sir Alastair’s legacy will continue to live on in both Maldon and the wider cricketing world.
We are incredibly proud to be part of his story.
Maldon Cricket Club 