Strauss sees bright future for England
Andrew Strauss believes Alastair Cook’s resignation as England Test skipper gives an opportunity to the next generation “to do bigger and better things” for the team.
But the director of England cricket, who revealed Cook had become “drained” after a national record 59 Tests and more than four years in the role, refused to countenance Joe Root as the sole contender to step into the vacant position.
Strauss paid a rich tribute to his friend, former opening partner and the man who replaced him as Test captain in 2012 for overcoming a couple of very low moments to leave England in a steady position.
Cook’s tenure included two Ashes series wins, a vexed whitewash defeat in Australia - leading to the departure of both coach Andy Flower and controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen - and notable successes in South Africa last winter and India on his maiden tour as permanent captain in 2012.
It has come to an end, however, after a 4-0 drubbing back in India before Christmas.
Cook took almost eight weeks to reflect before his resignation was announced, and Strauss was foremost among those voicing praise for his former team-mate.
Strauss said: “Alastair’s had some tough times, he’s had to show a lot of character as England captain and he’s come through that.
“He’s shown incredible resilience and strength of character to get through those times. I think a couple of them have been bleak indeed.
“He’s come out of the other side, he’s kept scoring runs. He’s had some remarkable successes and he will be remembered by the guys who played under him. He had a real common touch and empathy with these players which made them want to follow him and he’s been a top quality captain.
“He’s sort of ushered in this new generation of England cricketer. And he steps aside at a really good time when that next generation of players can establish themselves and are ready to push forward to do bigger and better things for the England team.”
Cook informed England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves and his team-mates of his decision to resign in a round of phone calls on Sunday evening.
At 32, England’s record runscorer has decided to concentrate his efforts exclusively on his batting once more.