Cook still hasn’t lost the hunger
ALASTAIR COOK has more batting records than he knows what to do with and four Ashes series-winning medals tucked safely in a drawer.
But England’s leading run scorer in Tests said yesterday he still had a point to prove and a big job to do over the next seven weeks.
Cook is playing in his seventh series against Australia and fourth Down Under.
In addition to providing Joe Root with the odd piece of advice should he need it, Cook said he has a crucial role supporting an inexperienced top order containing three Ashes debutants.
“Clearly as a bloke who’s played a couple of Test matches you’ve got some experience to pass on to the guys and to Rooty,” he said.
“And while there is always that element of not wanting to step on his toes, there are not too many egos flying about with me and Joe. We’ve had some really good conversations.
“I also feel I’ve got a bit more of a role with the guys who haven’t played Test matches in Australia, and hopefully I can pass on my experience – a bit like Jimmy Anderson with the bowlers who haven’t bowled in an Ashes.”
Cook’s numbers are impressive, having amassed 31 Test hundreds, 11,629 runs and 147 Test caps as well as featuring in four winning Ashes series.
But the pain of a less-than-perfect Ashes record both personally and having been part of the two whitewashes in Australia in 2006-07 and 2013-14 still drives him.
“I had an amazing series seven years ago [scoring 766 runs] but it is probably fair to say I haven’t made as many runs as I’d like against Australia, so it would be nice to have a good series again,” he said.
“Although I’m at that stage where people would quite like to swap their records with mine, I’m desperate to still play cricket for England. I really am enjoying the challenge of it.”
The search for a permanent partner for Cook has vexed England selectors since Andrew Strauss retired, but in Mark Stoneman the former captain believes England have struck gold.
“He has played brilliantly here and looked a proper player the first time I saw him bat – when he got the 197 at Guildford against Essex,” said Cook.
“He played really well and the way he is around the team and around the environment is first class. He’s a bit older than the other guys and he looks a good player in good nick.”