'The last four days were incredible'

Alastair Cook said the final Test of his glittering career had contained some of the most "surreal" days of his cricketing life after he signed off with 147 in his last England innings on Monday.

The Essex opener has been given numerous standing ovations during the fifth Test against India at the Oval and the crowd were willing him to go out in style.

The former England captain, about to become a father for the third time, said it was difficult to put his achievement into words.

Alice Cook (L) is delighted after her husband Alastair scored a century in his final Test innings on Monday. PHOTO: REUTERS

"There's a few of my friends here as well so for that all to happen today and every reception I've had over the last four days it's just been incredible, even that last couple of overs when the whole crowd were singing my Barmy Army (fan) songs, incredibly special."

When asked if it was his best day ever in cricket, Cook described it as a "different day".

"On a purely selfish point of view I couldn't have asked for a better week for me so yes on that side but obviously there have been bigger things in more important games that have meant more."

He said the match had been emotional for him with family and friends looking on, which had brought a different type of pressure.