ONLY A FOOL WOULD WRITE OFF COOK

Thorpe backs England’s stuttering run-machine to bounce back after winter woe

ALASTAIR COOK is still hungry to play for England despite the worst series returns of his career.

A measly 23 runs at an average of under six from these two matches would have been unthinkable even a year ago, but this is where a spell of famine has left England’s most successful batsman of all time.

Cook may have scored more than 12,000 runs and collected two double tons last year, but things are looking shaky in 2018.

And the ease with which Trent Boult found an edge to take his wicket for the fourth time out of four, having made just 14, was more than a little concerning. No one should write off Cook, who has more mental strength than Anthony Joshua has belts, but his side could do with a better output.

“I do see a guy still hungry,” said batting coach and former England batsman Graham Thorpe.

“He got a good ball and played at one outside off stump. No one will be more disappointed than him. Inside he’ll be hurting. I played myself, you want to be contributing and he’ll be disappointed with this leg of the trip, but I haven’t seen any sign of him pulling the curtain.

“He’s trying and the hunger is clearly there. He’ll be disappointed through this series, but around the group he is still chipper and upbeat. “When a guy has scored that many runs, then it is hard for us to question if his technique is right or wrong.

“While he is here he will continue to work hard for England. I’m sure Alastair will want to stand up when summer comes round.”

Mark Stoneman and James Vince would love the opportunity to stand up at Lord’s in May when Pakistan arrive, but whether they get that chance is open to debate after their twin 50s on day three. Stoneman made 60, his highest Test score, while Vince hit a fluent 76 before both drove ambitiously outside their off stump and were caught.

Their 123-run partnership put England in a strong position, but both left the stage knowing a century would have guaranteed continued selection.

They may yet develop into proper Test batsmen, but time is not on their side.

Thorpe added: “I’m sure both would have liked hundreds, but they still got a pat on the back from us in the dressing-room.”