COOK STILL IN THE MIX
I’m Root-ing for Al vows skipper
JOE ROOT has backed Alastair Cook to get back in the runs and wants the opener in his side right through to next year’s Ashes.
The England captain admitted Cook, 33, has earned the right to dictate the timing of his exit from international cricket, despite his recent slump in form.
Root has no doubts his predecessor in the role remains a world-class performer and fully committed to carrying on.
After seeing England fall to a 203-run defeat at Trent Bridge and having their series lead cut to 2-1 with two to play, Root issued Cook with a ringing endorsement.
He said: “Alastair is a world-class performer and he’s proven that time and time again.
“To be honest I’d like you to write him off because every time he’s written off he comes back and scores a double hundred.
Pressure
“There’s no one with more experience currently in Test cricket than him. Do I want him in the side for the rest of the series? Yes, 100 per cent.”
Cook, whose third child is due during next week’s fourth Test in Southampton, averages just 19 since his Ashes double hundred in Melbourne last year.
With a top score of 29 against India this series the pressure is building, but Root said: “The surfaces have been tailored around seam bowling and we’ve had some very bowler-friendly conditions.
“The hardest point to bat is opening up and both sides’ top orders have struggled.”
England’s crushing defeat was confirmed in 17 balls and 10 minutes yesterday when Jimmy Anderson was caught at slip after a delivery from Ravi Ashwin looped up off his glove.
Jonny Bairstow is an injury doubt for the fourth Test with a broken finger and in-form all-rounder Moeen Ali could return to the side if the wicketkeeper misses out. Overnight: India 329 (Kohli 97, Rahane 81) & 352-7dec (Kohli 103, Pujara 72, Pandya 52no). England
161 (Pandya 5-28) & 311-9 (Buttler
106, Stokes 62, Bumrah 5-85). ENGLAND 2nd Innings (cont) A Rashid 33 J Anderson 11 Extras 22 Total (104.5 overs) .................. 317 Fall:
Bowling: