QUICK FIRE with England cricket captain Alastair Cook

England cricket captain Alastair Cook on frustrating phones, farming and the joy of sax

Guilty pleasure? Cookie dough ice cream topped with cream and fudge. Where is home? A renovated farmhouse near Woburn, Bedfordshire, with my wife Alice and our two-year-old daughter Elsie. Career plan B? A farmer. When my playing career ends I want to stay in cricket, but I would like to farm as well. Biggest bugbear? Mobile phones. Everyone spends too much time on them, including me. As a child you wanted to… Play cricket for England. I’m very lucky – not many people get to fulfil their childhood dream. Earliest memory? My youngest brother Laurence crashing a ride-on tractor into a hedge when he was two. It was funny for everyone except him. Your best quality? I get on with most people. And your worst? Picking my nose and spots when the TV cameras are on me. Secret to a happy relationship? Enjoyment. Most romantic thing you’ve ever done? Taking Alice on a surprise trip to Paris a few years ago. Last meal on earth? Steak, chips, roast potatoes, parsnips, roast lamb – pile it on! Dream dinner party guests? Rather than famous people, I’d like three or four of my best friends because we’d be sure of having a great time. Advice to teenage self? What I would say to any teenager is life is there to be enjoyed – make the most of having no responsibilities. Cat or dog? I’ve got a collie called Tess. Secret skill? I play the saxophone. I played The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’ at my sister-in-law’s wedding and it seemed to go down OK. On a day off we’d find you… Working on my wife’s parents’ farm – I love it. What do you see when you look in the mirror? Too many grey hairs. One thing that would make your life better? A lorry driver’s licence so I could transport sheep around. Starstruck moment? Meeting David Beckham. Normally I don’t get too fussed about famous people, but he’s a superstar. Your big break? Scoring a double century for Essex against Australia in 2005, which put me in line for a place in the England Test team. Career highlight? Winning the Ashes in Australia in 2010, when I was also named Man of the Series. Any superstitions? A few – and not telling anyone what they are is one of them. Favourite tipple? Lager. Hangover cure? Fresh air. What did you have for breakfast today? A bacon sarnie. Top of your bucket list? There are a few things, including going to the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta in the US, skiing in Canada and driving a Formula 1 car. Philosophy? Treat others the way you would like to be treated and don’t take life too seriously. Last film that made you cry? 12 Years a Slave. Where would you time travel to? The Under-15 Cricket World Cup in 2000, where I ran myself out first ball going for a second run. This time I’d just go for a single. Biggest fear? I’m not a fan of crocodiles or snakes. Celebrity crush? Kate Upton. Happiness is… Feeling contented with things. English Test Cricket is sponsored by Investec, including the current match against Pakistan at the Kia Oval, London