Cook first England cricketer to be knighted since Botham in 2007

Former England captain Alastair Cook, who retired from international cricket in September this year, has been knighted in the New Year's Honours. The 34-year-old, who is England's highest run-scorer in Test cricket, has become the first England cricketer to be knighted since Sir Ian Botham in 2007. Overall, Cook is the eleventh England cricketer to be knighted.