The acid test

WHO has been the most successful captain? Strange as it may sound at the moment, you have to say Cook. Until three weeks ago he was winning that battle hands down.

Shane Warne described Clarke as the best captain in the world last summer and his record did not reflect that, while he said Cook was a boring captain and his record was not reflecting that, either.

Cook, over the years, has risen to every challenge but now is the real test for him — as a player and captain. Clarke has come through his hard period, which even included Cook giving Australia a single to get him on strike in the first innings at the Gabba. The way he has reacted to it showed toughness. He faced his moment of truth at 130 for six at the Gabba with him being bounced out, after losing 3-0 in England, and look what has happened since. He has led a spectacular Australia comeback and Cook must now think “that’s what I’ve got to do”.

Cook is two down and at the WACA must face Johnson with the whole of Australia against him and wanting his blood, and he will know that this is the time to deliver. It’s going to be tough for Alastair but he has risen to it all before.