ENG vs IND 2018: Alastair Cook readies himself for the Test series with a ton against India A

Cook scored 110* on Day 1 against India A playing for England Lions.

Alastair Cook (Getty)

Alastair Cook fine-tuned his preparation for the upcoming 5-match Test series versus Virat Kohli's men with a solid ton against the visiting India A side playing for England Lions. Cook again exhibited excellent survival ability that has been the whole mark of his batting over the years and his technical and temperamental nous was masterclass for some of the young India A boys. 

This match was Cook's first in three weeks and with Essex not featuring in the next round of the county championship, could well turn out to be his last red ball game before the much-awaited Test series. 

An innings filled with the defense, leaves and his usual cuts and drives, pleased Cook. He talked about this innings after the first day's play at Worcestershire and said, "I spoke to Ed Smith [the National Selector] about playing in this game because we haven't played much red-ball cricket at Essex. England would probably rather use these games to have a look at someone younger but I felt I needed the opportunity to play a bit of red-ball cricket so it worked really well."

"It is sometimes best when you are refreshed. Sometimes you play a lot and you can get into bad habits."

Cook is still batting not out on 110, as England Lions finished off the day at 310/2. 

(Inputs from ESPN Cricinfo)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 17 Jul, 2018

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