Cook ready to change course in search of Ashes glory

Image
AFP Cardiff (United Kingdom)
Last Updated : Jul 08 2015 | 9:48 AM IST
England captain Alastair Cook has said he is willing to alter his leadership style if it helps get the best out of a new-look side during the Ashes.
Cook has repeatedly been criticised for being an excessively cautious skipper since taking on the post of England captain three years ago.
That 'grinding' approach saw England win the Ashes 3-0 on home soil in 2013 but was powerless to prevent Australia whitewashing Cook's men 'Down Under' in 2013/14.
Trevor Bayliss, England's new Australian coach, has told the side they must "fight fire with fire" if they are to regain the Ashes.
Yet there is an acknowledgement too from all involved with England that recklessness is not the same thing as aggression.
There were signs of greater boldness during England's recent drawn Test series with New Zealand, although this was more to do with the performances of individual players rather than a huge tactical shift on Cook's part.
But while Cook is unlikely to abandon the approach to batting that has made him England's all-time leading Test run-scorer, he is happy to be less defensive tactically if it helps get the best out of the likes of relative newcomers such as all-rounder Ben Stokes and fast bowler Mark Wood.
"At certain times I have to be able to get on that front foot as well as a captain ... With this set of players," said Cook on the eve of the first Test against Australia in Cardiff starting on Wednesday.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 08 2015 | 9:48 AM IST

Next Story