Cook says right of hosts to have 'home advantage' following 'burnt' pitch claims

England captain Alastair Cook has defended the production of 'burnt' patches on the Old Trafford pitch as suspected by Australia, saying that it is the right of the host country to beat home its territorial advantage.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia arrived at Old Trafford in little doubt that England was again looking to exploit its weakness against spin bowling, finding a dry, cracking pitch with a scattering of mysterious 'burnt' marks on it.

However, Cook strongly defended the Manchester wicket, which has been re-aligned 90 degrees as part of the redevelopment of the ground, saying that although Old Trafford is notorious for having a wicket that is not aesthetically pleasing, he does not believe that it is going to make any difference in the third Test.

Stating that it is a better looking pitch than usual, Cook also said that England as the host country is well within its rights to have a wicket prepared that suited it as they deserve to have home advantage, although he added that it is very difficult to order a wicket to suit any playing style given the weather, which has been continually rainy for a few days.

According to Cook, playing in adverse conditions is one of the challenges of cricket, like England did in India while playing against three spinners, adding that the challenge will be the same for both the sides, which is the beauty of cricket,

Cook further said that in cricket, the challenge is to adapt to the pitch and the conditions, unlike other sports like rugby and football, where the dimensions remain the same, while the width can be changed.