Inspirational Cook helps England turn the tables
England came agonisingly close to a win that would have surpassed anything under alastair Cook — but they had to settle for giving India a bloody nose at the end of a compelling first Test that went down to the wire.
Those who want to reduce Tests to four days — and they include ECB chairman Colin graves — should have been here in Rajkot to experience the nail-biting tension as England strained every sinew to dismiss India for a second time.
The considerable consolation in a draw that saw India hang on with six wickets down a full 138 short of their target was that England were by far the better side, out-batting, out-seaming and even out-spinning their hosts.
Those who predicted a series of doom and gloom for England could not have envisaged that Cook’s side would include four centurions and a debutant of such promise in 19-year-old Haseeb Hameed that even the most hard-bitten observers were giddy with excitement.
and we most certainly could not have believed that England’s spin trio, perceived as their weakest link in subcontinental conditions, could possibly have outshone Ravichandran ashwin and company in India.
But outshine them they did and that, refreshingly, includes adil Rashid, who at long last finally looked like a Test-quality bowler and came close to fulfilling Trevor Bayliss’s desire for a world-class spinner to complete his side.
Yes, it would be foolish to think England will now win this series with ease, because instructions are sure to go out for pitches that turn from the word go, as they did in Chittagong and dhaka, starting on Thursday in Visakhapatnam.
But it is clear that England have taken a major step forward here against an India team who had won 12 of their past 13 home Tests since losing to England in Kolkata four years ago and have risen to the top of the world rankings.
at the centre of it all, of course, was the extraordinary figure of Cook, who looked out on his feet at the end of five long, hard days which saw him record his 30th Test century and, remarkably, fifth in India to set up England’s victory bid.
When you consider he has now overtaken no less a figure than Sir don Bradman’s tally of tons then it should be acknowledged that Cook is a truly great batsman who has yet to fully receive the credit he deserves.
He certainly did not deserve the astonishing attack on him from australia yesterday, where one of their most respected writers accused him of ‘killing the game’ with the speed of his innings and timing of his declaration in Rajkot.
That observer might be better off aiming his guns at an australian team in turmoil after being bowled out for 85 by South africa in the second Test in Hobart, rather than taking a pop at the Poms who are building nicely towards next year’s ashes tour, whatever happens in the rest of this series.
and it would be harsh in the extreme to criticise Cook for the timing of a declaration yesterday which ensured England could not be beaten and heaped all the pressure on a home side who were expected to win this series 5-0.
Only when Cook and Hameed added just 36 runs in the first hour yesterday could England be said to be going too slowly and the mitigating factor in that chunk of an opening stand of 180 came from the fact that the pitch was much harder to score off on the last day and India had set very defensive fields.
England got a move on after that first hour before Cook declared to set India a target of 310 from 49 overs, with the England captain playing one of the most expansive cover drives he has ever conjured up to smash Umesh Yadav for four.
Cook dedicated his hundred on the pitch to his new daughter, Isobel, who, it should be remembered, he said goodbye to just 18 hours after her birth because he had to leave for Bangladesh.
Then he talked self-effacingly afterwards about a ‘more positive captain than me’ possibly declaring earlier and winced when reminded of the identity of the man he has just surpassed.
‘let’s not talk about Bradman because he made his hundreds in about a third of the amount of knocks than me,’ said the England captain. ‘But it was satisfying because I sacrificed a bit to be here and I haven’t been in the greatest form.
‘I haven’t had any rhythm in the nets and there’s a lot of work still to be done but it’s nice to score runs when you’re not at your best.’
Cook was much happier talking about Hameed, who was so impressive before falling 18 runs short of emulating Cook with a century on debut in India and looks destined to partner his captain for the rest of his career.
‘He’s an unbelievable player,’ said Cook. ‘He was pushing me close to retirement when we walked off yesterday. a 19-yearold not only out-batted me but scored quicker than me and made it look easier. So it’s a bit of a downto-earth moment. He’s a find, isn’t he?’
The only possible criticism of Cook is that he delayed Rashid’s introduction to the attack until the 15th over of India’s quest for salvation as the leg-spinner again looked the most dangerous bowler in taking three of the six wickets to fall.
Virat Kohli held India together and just about ensured their safety and both sides now travel to another new Test venue in Visakhapatnam, where Jimmy anderson is pushing strongly for selection after impressing England in the nets.
It would be harsh, though, for any England bowler to lose his place for the second Test unless the efforts they have put in here in gujarat have taken too big a toll. England can be delighted for now but they know this is just the start.
‘It’s been a good five days for us,’ added Cook. ‘We’ve put everything on the line there. It’s disappointing not to get over the line, but it was a great Test and everyone can be proud of the way they played.’