Cook not ruling out Ashes Test return

England's troubles at the top of the order have led to some suggestions Alastair Cook may return, and he refused to rule it out.

Alastair Cook with his knighthood.

Former England Test captain Alastair Cook has refused to completely rule out a comeback should Joe Root's side need him.

Cook called time on his stellar career after his 161st Test in September, the opener ending in style with a fine 147 in a thumping 118-run win over India at the Oval.

Since he stepped away England has struggled for stability at the top of the order – with Rory Burns, Keaton Jennings and Joe Denly all failing to impress on a consistent basis during recent tours of Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

With a home Ashes series looming later in 2019, some have suggested England may try and tempt Cook back to the international scene to aid its hopes of regaining the urn. And while not ruling out the possibility, Cook has no regrets about bowing out in 2018.

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"You can never say no totally, because you don't know what will happen in the future," Cook told Sky Sports after collecting his knighthood at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

"I had an amazing 12 years and had times and experiences which I could never repeat. The way I finished at The Oval was special, that will be my memory of wearing the three lions more times than I ever thought I would.

"That cap will stay in the drawer but I will look back with great memories of it. I can look back smiling with no regrets."