A RECORD-BREAKING cricket player is supporting a new tree-planting campaign.

Sir Alastair Cook is an ambassador for the renowned cricket bat manufacturer Gray-Nicolls and the company has launched an initiative to offset the production of their wooden bats, made from willow.

The former England captain visited Robertsbridge in Rother, which is the home of the brand, to kickstart its Tree Legacy Programme on Friday.

The initiative will see a new willow tree planted for every international century scored by a Gray-Nicolls ambassador – a score of 100 or more runs in a single innings.

Sir Alastair, who is the fifth highest Test run scorer of all time, planted 33 trees – one for each of his Test centuries.

He said: “It’s amazing to be involved with the launch of this campaign.

“It’s growing willow for a game I’ve always played, for a brand I’ve always used, so I’m very excited about it.

“As we become more aware of the need to look after the planet, sustainability initiatives like this one are going to be absolutely crucial.”

For each new willow tree, an additional tree of a different species will also be planted to offset the loss of the willows when they are harvested to make cricket bats in 20 years’ time.

So far this year there have been two scorers of 100 or more runs in a single innings by Gray-Nicolls players – Dom Sibley and Aaron Finch.

Those trees, along with any other scored in 2020, will be planted in February 2021.

As part of the campaign, every player who scores an international century will also be able to nominate a school to receive £250 worth of Gray-Nicolls cricket kit.

Nick Wilton, brand manager of Gray-Nicolls, said: “We are really excited to launch this latest initiative as Gray-Nicolls moves towards a more sustainable future.

“We had amazing success with our Off-Cuts project earlier this year,and we are sure the Tree Legacy Programme will be equally impactful as we look to improve sustainability, reduce waste and protect our environment.”

Sir Alastair, who released his autobiography last year, made his debut on the England team in India in 2006 when he was called as a last-minute replacement for Marcus Trescothick.

He scored 1,000 runs in his first year and made centuries in his first Test matches against India, Pakistan, the West Indies and Bangladesh.

The left-handed opening batsman played a key role in England winning the 2009 Ashes series.

He was awarded a CBE in 2016 for his services to cricket after retiring from his England career.