Mark Ramprakash says no surprise to watch 'strong' Cook come through 'tough patch'

Former English cricketer Mark Ramprakash, who is embarking on a new career as a coach, has said that current captain Alastair Cook is very strong and resilient and it was no surprise to see him come through that tough patch while he was struggling in Tests.

Ramprakash said that when he first came in for the two Tests against Sri Lanka it was more a case of getting to know Cook, adding that he really didn't talk batting much with the skipper as he worked closely with Peter Moores and they built a strong relationship.

Ramprakash said that a lot of players, rightly so, are protective of their environment and when they come under the cosh at any level, especially internationally where so many people pass comment, they rely on one or two trusted voices, The Guardian reported.

But, he added that in the India series Cook and he started to get closer and talk more about batting. Ramprakash said that Cook is one of the most successful batsmen in England Test history so he can think for himself.

The former batsman said that whether it was bouncing ideas off him or Moores, Cook went away, thought about it and came up with his own solutions.

He said that Cook is very strong and resilient and it was no surprise to see him come through that tough patch, adding that the skipper admits he is an evolving captain and it's a great strength that he can review things and admit where he went wrong.

Ramprakash said that Cook coped magnificently given the tidal wave of criticism, adding that one did wonder if there was an agenda against him.