Opening batsman to avoid selection axe
Cook to captain England in World Cup
Under-siege England captain Alastair Cook has avoided the selection axe and will lead his country in the World Cup, according to a report out of the UK.
The Daily Mail is reporting that Cook is expected to be named England’s captain for the one-day international tour to Sri Lanka in November-December, after coach Peter Moores and selectors James Whitaker, Angus Fraser and Mike Newell met yesterday, with that decision effectively confirming he’ll be at the helm for England’s World Cup campaign next year.
The 29-year-old has come under intense scrutiny following England’s poor ODI record of late, including a thumping 3-1 home series loss to India, with former England players Michael Vaughan and Graeme Swann calling for Cook to be sacked and replaced with Middlesex left-hander Eoin Morgan.
Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie says England will need to change their approach if they are to be any chance of breaking England’s 40-year World Cup drought.
“England need to play a more positive, aggressive brand of cricket if they are to be successful in Australia,” Gillespie said.
“At the moment I haven’t seen evidence that they can win this World Cup with the style of play they’re playing.
“They’ve got some incredibly skilful cricketers. I just like to see a bit more intent.
“A bit more positive cricket played if they’re going to be successful.”
Cook has scored five ODI centuries at an average of 37.62 in 86 matches since debuting in 2006, but in the past year he has averaged just 31.07 and he has failed to reach triple figures in any form of international cricket.
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