While England's search for a replacement for Alastair Cook continues, the recently-retired opener has cleared the air about making comeback to Test cricket by saying he has already played his last game for his country and now its turn for the next generation to make their mark.
While England is yet to find a fitting top-order batsman with the Ashes 2019 on the cards in August this year, there have been a lot of talks about Cook’s return to cricket ever since his brilliant 150 for Essex in a pre-season game against Cambridge University last week.
Later, Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate added fuel to the speculations by saying that former Test skipper could return to the national Test side, but Cook has made it clear that he is not really thinking about that and it could only be possible if there is an absolute emergency.
Cook told media on Tuesday, 2nd April, “Look, I've played my last game for England. There's always that one thing, if there's an absolute emergency or something... But I'm nowhere near that mindset. I saw Tendo say something the other day, but I've had 12 amazing years of playing for England, it's time for the next generation of players - certainly top-order players - to try to make their mark.”
The left-hander continued, “In terms of pulling on that cap and playing cricket - in one way it's a sad thing it's never going to happen again, but I've had my time. I had an amazing journey, I've loved it, but towards the end, I wasn't the player I was and things had to move on... They won't be making the phone call to me anyway, and no matter what happens I've got the summer with Essex and I'm looking forward to spending it with the Eagles.”
He signed off by saying, “It's going to be different, it's the first time I've ever played a game without the lure of England selection there, and that's probably going to take a little bit of time to get used to.”
(With Cricketnext Inputs)
