COOK HAS A BIG BASH

YOUNG batsmen are not entering the Test arena with a ‘‘survival method’’ as the white-ball influence of ODIs and T20 cricket seizes control.

That is the verdict of former England skipper Alastair Cook, preparing for a stiff examination at Old Trafford.

With a scruffy-looking pitch and rain forecast, Vernon Philander and Co will be another handful.

But Cook (above) can again rely on his solid technique to frustrate South Africa. And he complained: “Young players are not learning their survival method.

“I think the mindset and mentality is that we will see more and more high chases in Test cricket. But there are certain times modern-day players must change. Rather than going to get the runs, no, you have to bat five sessions to save the game.”