The hunger to score runs is still there: Alastair Cook

England's Cook has scored more than 12,000 runs at an average of 45.73.

Alastair Cook scored just 23 runs in the two-Test series against New Zealand | Getty Images

Veteran England top-order batsman Alastair Cook is well aware of the fact that he will have to post runs on the board to continue playing for England and justify his place in the national side.

The opener also insists that he has still the same hunger to score runs because it is necessary to open for England.

Having made England Test debut in 2006, the 33-year-old has scored more than 12,000 runs at an average of 45.73, but badly struggled to hit the New Zealand bowlers in the recent series.

Actually, there were questions raised on Cook spot in England’s Test team following his poor outing against the Black Caps, as he scored just 23 runs in the two-Test series against New Zealand last month.

As per reports in Reuters, Cook told reporters, “My job never changes. It's to score runs at the top of the order. If someone taps me on the shoulder and tells me they don't want me to open for England, it is going to hurt at this precise moment because I want to carry on.”

He signed off by saying, “The hunger and desire is still there but no one has a God-given right to play for England. You have to score the runs to justify your place. Since I've come home I've started to look at my preparation. Have I got it right? Do I need to change things? Because that's the right way to do it. I will never sit here and say I've cracked the game or will ever be perfect.”

Now, Cook is eyeing to play at his best for Essex in the domestic championship to earn a national call-up for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan at home in May.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 25 Apr, 2018

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