Sam Stopp: Alastair Cook makes you proud to be an Englishman. Fearless, indomitable, and a gentleman. What more could you want from an opening batsman? He will never be replaced.

Cook on the standing ovations: "There was definitely a lump in my throat at the start and I did shed a tear. I've got 30 friends and family here too. It's just one of those days where you'll forever look back and think, 'Wow.'

"Then we I got back at the end there, Trevor Bayliss, in his Australian way, said, 'Are you not coming back tomorrow?' It's been a great week. Amazing.

On what he will miss: "Playing with some great cricketers and sitting in that dressing room.

"But the timing is right and just makes this even more special. This has been an 18-month ongoing process from the start of the West Indies series last year, when I started noticing things in my game and preparation were missing.

"It doesn't mean you haven't got it sometimes and when it's your day you can still score runs. But there is definitely something missing, even though this was a great day."

Image source, PA

More from Cook on Sky Sports: "Ever since I announced my retirement I hoped to have a good week here but to top it off with a score was just incredible. Some times dreams do come true.

"Even just fielding under the helmet at the end there with the Barmy Army singing my name - occasionally you do play sport for those little selfish moments and it was amazing.

"If today didn't get our third child along then I don't know what will."

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

It has been one of the great days of English cricket. For Alastair Cook to find that rhythm with the bat in hand, after the emotional rollercoaster he must have gone through this week, is remarkable.

We have watched him for 12 years but that innings was up there with one of his best. He had all of his family up on the balcony, and he had a crowd of 18,000 who came out to watch him bat, and he didn't disappoint.

England's Alastair Cook, speaking to Sky Sports: "As much as this seems to be my benefit game - we do have to remember Joe Root got a hundred as well today!"

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

India would love to go home having shown some fight, so I expect their batsmen to dig in tomorrow. The day may go on slightly longer than we expect.

I need a lie down after that.

But not quite yet - stay tuned for more recaps and reaction from a stunning day at The Oval.

Sky Sports are running a montage of Alastair Cook's career, complete with a backing track of 'England' by The National. Lovely stuff.

Daniel: England cricket haven’t had many better days than today

Graham: What a great man, even carried the helmet off at the end!

In terms of the Test itself, India require another 406 runs for a highly, highly improbable victory.

England need the much more likely seven wickets on day five to wrap up a 4-1 series win.

A stellar performance by the hosts today to dominate India and put themselves on the verge of victory.

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

What a wonderful occasion. Massive congratulations to Alastair Cook on a fabulous international career. I'm sure there will be lots of emotions to capture but I'm sure he will be involved in the game for a long time. Amazing scenes.

Alastair Cook shakes hands with his team-mates and strides off to yet another standing ovation from the crowd at The Oval.

He removes his cap to salute them and briefly pauses to wait for the rest of his team to catch up before hurrying up the steps.

An embrace with England assistant coach Paul Farbrace and 'Chef' disappears into dressing room.

Ooh! Ajinkya Rahane gets forward and just about deflects it down as the ball drops short of who else but Alastair Cook at short leg.

And so one of the greatest days in England cricket history ends.

Haha. Ajinkya Rahane rocks back and defends it straight down, with Alastair Cook pouching the ball as it bounces up. A huge cheer and a smile under the lid from Cook.

A couple more men in round the bat for the last ball of the day..

Moeen Ali to bowl the final over of the day.

What chance one of the India batsman pops one up to Alastair Cook at short leg?

Ebony Rainford-Brent
Ex-England batter on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

Today has been pretty full on and I think there have been eight minutes of standing ovations during this Test, with most of that coming today.

Everyone likes a good story.

The Barmy Army fire up a chorus of "Ali, Ali Cook" to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band's "Give It Up".

Back on the pitch, Ben Stokes swings down leg and is flicked to the fence by KL Rahul.

Oooh. Stokes replies by fizzing one past the outside edge. Brief appeal from England but no bat on that.

Shot! Stokes over-pitches and Rahul smashes it through the covers for four. Stokes takes a chunk out of the turf, kicking out in frustration.

Ben Stokes will continue from the Vauxhall End.

Oh my word.

Ajinkya Rahane defends downwards as he is rocking back, forcing the ball to spin backwards after hitting the pitch.

It loops up and drops an inch or two behind the stumps.

Jos Buttler puts his hands to his helmet, scarcely believing that didn't bowl Rahane.