Calcutta: John Michael Brearley, among the most celebrated (and, possibly, the most cerebral) of captains in cricket, took questions from The Telegraph on Saturday.

The interview with the London-based Brearley, 76, had to be kept brief and was largely limited to Alastair Cook bowing out after the ongoing Test, at The Oval.

Even though Brearley has cut down on the number of patients he sees every week, he remains a practising psychoanalyst.

Of course, there's plenty more to Brearley and he is the author of the blockbuster The Art of Captaincy , a must-read for anybody at the helm.

Brearley's On Form , which hit the stands last September, has been very well received too.

Excerpts...

Q Is there actually a good time to retire or the call is made when "there's nothing left in the tank," as in the case of Cook?

A There are no sharp lines. It usually simply becomes clear to the individual and, then, is the readiness.

Q To what extent are such decisions driven by the need to be practical and, to what extent, are they emotional?

A Like many decisions, both at once... One is none the worse for being emotional.

Q Did the timing of Cook's decision surprise you? After all, he's only 33 and supremely fit...

A Not entirely. I think Cook also preferred to go at his own calling and not at that of the others, including the selectors.

[While announcing his decision, Cook said: "Although it is a sad day, I can do so with a big smile on my face, knowing I have given everything... I know the timing is right." Cook is England's most prolific Test batsman and No.6 on the list of the all-time highest run-getters.]

Q Could Cook be tempted to come out of retirement at some point in the near future?

A I doubt it. Cook is quite a stubborn man. I imagine he's made up his mind fully. But, of course, I don't know!

Q How can sportspersons best handle post-retirement issues? Maybe, getting that feeling of emptiness or, possibly, even missing years of limelight...

A Well, all change involves mourning. Besides, Cook has signed a (three-year) contract extension with his County, Essex. I believe he will get a lot of what he got from international cricket there. And, be at least largely relieved at letting go the limelight.

Q You had a career as a psychoanalyst waiting... Did that make it easier for you to handle post-retirement issues once you called it a day after the 1981 Ashes?

A It wasn't that I had a career, but I was to embark on one and had been training for it. So, yes, it was easier.

Q What will be your one abiding memory of Cook in the England cap?

A I'd think of Cook walking back after sending the ball towards square leg, going on his little walk-about. That has been part of his routine... A ritual to clear the mind of what just happened and to give space for total focus on the next ball... Being in the present... Cook has had so much resilience... No one bothered to insult or provoke him on the field, knowing it would have no impact.

Q Last one... Despite batting collapses right through the five-match series, England made it an unbeatable 3-1 in the fourth Test itself. Your take?

A Terrific bowling and high-class all-rounders have won it for England. If I may add, luck too... The second day's play is about to begin and (Jos) Buttler is still batting.

Postscript: Resuming on 11, 'Birthday Boy' Buttler went on to score 89. Thanks largely to the 28-year-old, England recovered to 332 and, then, again left India gasping - 174 for six - at stumps.