Essex: Honorary Degree For Alastair Cook

England cricket captain, and Essex batsman, Alastair Cook is receiving an honorary degree from the University of Essex.

The ceremony is taking place at the Colchester campus today (Wednesday April 10th).

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 Mr Cook had his first-class debut for Essex County Cricket Club in 2003 and previously played for Maldon Cricket Club.

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

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