great post-match interview by cook. he said all the right things. he's a very likeable guy. for his sake, i hope he can turn it around, preferably after this series. but unfortunately, i don't think he'll last beyond this series if he doesn't turn it around.
like stinky, i think his batting has come under too much scrutiny. he is a good player going through a rough patch. i think he'll start scoring runs soon enough. his captaincy is another issue.
agree with all the posts calling for KP's re-selection. it looked silly at the time, and even more mind-boggling now.
To be really honest, Cook was never a prudent tactician. His skill was man management and you can see that even that side is flushing down the toilet post THE ASHES. I really do believe, that to be a captain and an opening batsman is a very very tough job at test level. I know, Smith and Strauss had very successful tenures, but they had a fabulous team around them. The problem with England at the moment is that their 'daddy hundred' scoring batsmen are in all sorts of trouble. I have no doubt in my mind that the burden has got to him. It's not just the captaincy, the batting and the press but also a pretty pathetic board he's answerable to. I mean, I'd be shocked if an English player can go to the toilet without following certain 'protocol.'
English cricket needs a breath of fresh air. I like KP, but I think England's ego will not allow a recall. Also, as brilliant a bat KP is, his ego would hit the edge of space if England do go back to him.
I personally feel, they need to first and foremost let the players be. Whoever plays is a different idea. You need to have a bunch of guys that are relaxed and enjoy cricket, not take it as an assignment and unfortunately, that's what the England players look like. Playing for England, means a great deal to them and the fight shown by them is evidence of that.
Peter Moores is a horrible choice. I'm not speaking for KP, but people like Flower, Moores and the coach in effect is too big a deal in English cricket. THAT person, needs to be the captain. Speaking of captains, you need someone that leads from the front and commands respect. I think Cook has that, but because so much has happened to him in the past twelve months, I think he needs to step down just so he can contribute with the bat and validate selection. I've already said, he doesn't warrant selection on captaincy alone. If anything, his tactics are really really poor.
Ian Bell HAS to bat at 3. Just look at England's top 3- None of the three are going to give you sleepless nights. I rate Root highly, but he's not a KP, never will be. England need someone to take the game by the scruff of it's neck and play some shots. I don't think Bell is out of form at all. He's been hitting the ball really well, he's got some snorters and he's played a poor shot or two. He will lend control and aggression that England could do with at 3. Ballance can bat 5, Root 4.
England need to decide between Stokes/Ali. I think they're destroying Stokes at 8. I wouldn't mind whoever they picked or dropped as they're both capable at 6. I'd pick Stokes.
Jos Buttler at 7. You don't know how good someone is or how prepared someone is till you give them a go. Virat Kohli at 23 was already one of the better batsmen in the world. Quinton De Kock is 20 and his keeping is not there yet, but it never will be there unless you give him a proper run.
I think, Plunkett, Anderson and Broad have been alright. They could do with some good fields and some patience. If they had to bring someone in for Ali/Stokes, I'd play a specialist spinner if Stokes plays and vice-versa. Give Kerrigan a go. You'll never know else. Ask Graeme Swann.
Lastly, I know this sounds crazy, but I'd hand the team over to Joe Root. I think he's a gritty lad who has something about him. He will bring fresh ideas and his desire to succeed is immense.
