THE MENU FOR COOK

Kevin Pietersen four and then Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood etc.

“It was very solid, settled and people delivered the goods.

“England don’t have these kind of players around right now.

“It’s tough. If I was a young player in England now there is great opportunity for anyone who can start well this summer.

“We have a lot of attacking middle order players but not too many to pick from in terms of opening the batting.

“It’s probably a bit of both, mentally and technical. Opening the batting is very hard work.

“You are facing the new ball against international bowlers and most batsmen would choose to bat further down the order.

“People now find the scrutiny is so intense.

“You play one or two games and every media outlet is talking about it. So many people are airing their opinions about you.

“Your technique is constantly under the microscope. When I started we just had Ceefax and you could get away with one or two poor shots. These guys have to find a way of getting England off to a good start.”

Cook has signed a three-year contract to play for Essex.