Cook finally finds form for England

ALASTAIR Cook has made the most of his last chance to build a big innings before the Ashes with a half- century in yesterday’s tour match in Townsville.

The former England captain had been under pressure after scoring just 47 runs in three innings during their warm- up tour, including a second- ball duck in the two- day match in Perth.

But Cook spent some valuable time in the middle at Riverway Stadium as he faced 127 balls for his 70 runs before he nicked one to first slip off the bowling of CA XI skipper Matt Short.

Cook’s opening partner Mark Stoneman produced an even better knock with 111 — his first century for England — as they combined for a 172- run stand.

Stoneman didn’t think Cook had changed anything with his preparation to finally make a big score and he was confident the veteran opener would only continue to improve.

“He’s been moving well, he’s practising hard and hitting the ball well in the nets,” Stoneman said.

“The only difference there is the score to his name, which can help your confidence, but someone who’s got the experiences he can fall back on. I’m sure he’s comfortable with where he’s at and very much looking forward getting to the Gabba.

“Once his adrenalin’s pumping and he’s got ( Mitchell) Starc and ( Josh) Hazlewood staring down at him, then that’s going to get him really up for it and that’s probably where we’re going to see the best of Alastair Cook on this tour.”

CA XI all- rounder Daniel Fallins took two wickets yesterday as he dismissed Stoneman and James Vince ( 26), but he singled out Cook as the most impressive of the England batsmen.

“You could just see that even when he’s not in the best of form, he can make you pay and face a lot of balls,” Fallins said.