Before all the Cook news broke, we were asking if you had ever left a sporting event early? 

Lifelong New England Patriots fan Mark Wahlberg had to leave the Superbowl early last night after his son started feeling ill - he missed the end of the game...

CALL: When Liverpool was 3-0 down I stopped watching the match next thing I know 3-3.

Stuart Pollitt: Had to leave on 80 runs to catch an overnight bus during Steve Waugh's 100 at SCG off last ball of the day. I listened to the rest on the radio. 

Taras #321: Errm yestday with the davis cup; i was putting the milk bottles out when Denis Shapovalov decided to hit the ball into the umpire...

And here is THAT moment. 

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Australia centre and vice-captain Rob Horne will join Northampton Saints next season. 

The 27-year-old, who helped Australia reach the 2015 World Cup final, has won 33 caps for his country.

"Rob has played at the highest level for nearly a decade. He's going to be a real asset for us, both with his quality of play and his leadership experience in what is a crucial position," said Saints rugby director Jim Mallinder. 

"Northampton is a club with a strong history and I look forward to being a part of that," said Horne. "I'm excited for the journey ahead and experiencing Premiership and European rugby."

We are going to move on from the news Alastair Cook has retired from his position as England Test captain now but will leave this here for you to ponder... 

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Read the full story here. 

Rob Carrick: Shame that Cook has resigned but fingers crossed he goes on to break more records, legend.

Baz:, external Cook felt the pressure of captaincy at the start going nearly two years without a 100. Wouldn't want root to go through the same. Stuart Broad seems ideal - He's been around for years, consistent performer. Has years left in him, will only enhance his game. 

William Iain Wolsey: Cook should be admired for his integrity, persistence and courage in adversity. Engand must support captains better. 

Brian in Bradford: Sad day for all. Cannot see an obvious choice to replace him. Possibly Stuart Broad or Moeen Ali. 

You can take part in our "what you thought of Alastair Cook" poll here... 

Here are your options...

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England bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson join former captain Andrew Strauss in paying tribute to Alastair Cook, after he became the youngest ever batsman to hit 10,000 Test runs.  

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Luke, Birmingham: Cook's prowess as an opening batsman will be an undoubted asset for many more years. And his achievements have been fantastic on most parts. Unfortunately, as the tactics evolved, Cook's captaincy didn't. Overdue.

Martyn, Essex: Well finally Mr. Cook has made a decent decision. His record as caption is questionable. 40% win rate , with the talent at his disposal is'nt good enough. Too stubborn and negative to be considered a great captain. He beat some fairly average teams and Australia when they were rebuilding. Should have gone 2 years ago. 

Adam, Oxford: In a time when our sporting heroes are becoming harder and harder to relate to, Cook has been a shinning light on how to lead with decency and respect. England fans love him. All that's left for him to do now is bat, big big, bat long and break as many records as he can. Nice one Chef.

"Alastair Cook has stepped down from his role after 59 Tests as England Test captain. Appointed in August 2012, Cook has led the team through more Test matches than any other England captain. His record includes Ashes victories at home in 2013 and 2015 as well as series wins in India and South Africa. He also led the one-day side for 69 one-day internationals between 2010 and 2014, another England record. 

#Legend #YesChef #ThanksSkip"

Further reaction to Cook standing down as England captain.

Cook's county, Essex, saluted the 32-year-old's achievements. They tweeted: "Congratulations on everything you have achieved Cooky. Many more runs to come! #chef".

Former England batsman James Taylor added: "I'm surprised he's stepped down but he's a great man and a brilliant ambassador for the sport! Lots more runs from Cooky in an Eng shirt  #cook".

"Sad to see Cooky step down! Always backed me and gave me the support I needed. Top man"

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Paul Sharp: Cook was lucky to be playing the worst Australia team for decades. And he still managed to lose 5-0. Pleased he's gone.

Tim Stubbs: Who should replace Cook? Tom Brady, of course. Different sport, sure, but you must've seen the magic he can do with a ball?

Richie Spurs: Met Cookie a few times in our local in Chelmsford. Most down to earth sporting legend ever. Hope he plays for many more years. 

Very mixed opinions coming in about Alistair Cook... 

Use #bbcsportsday or text to 81111.

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Matthew Hoggard had his say on who he thinks should take over on BBC Radio 5 live earlier this morning: 

“In everybody’s eyes Joe Root will take over and Cook will play a massive part in the plans going forward.

“Root brings a fresh face and he’s a baby-faced assassin. He’s got a very cheeky character and he will lead the troops forward in his own style. If his character comes out in his captaincy it could be an interesting time for England.”

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Director of cricket Andrew Strauss said the ECB hoped to make an appointment before England depart for a three-match one-day international series in the West Indies on 22 February.

Strauss, who Cook replaced as captain, said his successor was owed "a great debt of gratitude" by his country.

"He's led the team with determination, conviction and a huge amount of pride over the last five years and his record stands for itself," added Strauss.

"He deserves to be seen as one of our country's great captains."

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Graham Gooch, former England cricket captain and Alastair Cook’s mentor on BBC Radio 5 Live:

“I told him to stay. He did ring me this morning before his announcement.

“This type of sportsman only comes once in a generation, maybe less. He’s a great man and he’s still got great things to do for his country.

“He is a strong, tough character and mentally resilient. It’s one I hope he will put to good use for his country in the years to come. He will want to go to Australia next winter and help win the Ashes for England 

“My one abiding memory of Alastair Cook batting was when I took a photo of the scoreboard in 2010 when Alastair Cook was 235 not out. That’s what he brings to the England team and I hope he continues that.”

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

There have been times when we have agreed, others when we have disagreed and when I have criticised him. The task of being honest about a player, but fair enough that they will still speak when you put a microphone under their nose, is a tightrope a sports journalist must walk.

We have also had our moments of fun.

Just on this last tour of India, I was cajoled into having a pedicure by an Indian barber. Who should walk in, but Cook, complete with camera. He took great delight in showing the photo to everyone he could find, as well as making sure he got it out to the world. I let him enjoy that one.

And so he departs. For Cook, the nature of the end of his tenure as captain very much reflects the type of man he is.