Warne urges Cook to 'stand up, take charge' of England for Boxing Day Test

Australian spin legend Shane Warne has urged England captain Alastair Cook to 'stand up and take charge' of the England team or face the humiliation of a 5-0 whitewash.

Cook has been roundly criticised for allowing games to drift at times in this Ashes series, and throughout his reign as captain, while his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke is considered perhaps the best tactical skipper of all of Test cricket's current leaders.

However, News.com.au reports that Warne said that the time has come for Cook to change his act and stop getting walked over by his teammates, when England take the field for the Boxing Day Test, adding that it is a great chance for Cook to stand up and take charge of his men.

Warne further said that while watching both teams play, it is easy to note that Clarke is in control of his team, while the England players play with their own wishes, with Cook appearing to have no control over them, adding that Cook now needs to force his own way on the team now or else risk a whitewash.

Warne has been fascinated to watch the home side attack England's strengths from day one in the first Test at the Gabba, and believes that sustained ploy has played a big part in breaking down England's team spirit.