Underfire Cook finds much-needed support from Farbrace

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Dec 22 2016 | 10:48 AM IST
Underfire Alastair Cook might be pondering about his future as Test captain after the 4-0 series drubbing in India, but England's assistant coach Paul Farbrace said the entire team is behind the lanky opener and wants him to be in charge for next winter's Ashes series.
Farbrace is confident that Cook will make his decision on captaincy keeping the team in mind.
"We've planned, and have been planning, for Cooky to be captain going to the Ashes in Australia next winter," said Farbrace.
"Personally, I hope that continues. We know he still has the support of the team, and he's a very popular bloke and very popular captain," he was quoted as saying by 'The Guardian' newspaper.
"He's got that decision to make - and as he said before the series started, he and Straussy (Andrew Strauss) will sit down in the new year and have a conversation about the way forward. The most important thing is that Cooky will make the decision based on what's right for England cricket, not what's right for Alastair Cook."
The 4-0 defeat in India means England have lost six of their last eight Tests under Cook.
Cook, who turns 32 on Christmas Day, has requested time to think after th disastrous India tour.
Cook's future was a talking point throughout the tour after he told a magzine during an interview that he was uncertain about his future as England test captain.
But Farbrace has played down the suggestion, saying there is no uncertainty in the team.
"There's no uncertainty within our team. He's captain, everybody knows where they stand with him - so there's absolutely no uncertainty whatsoever. The uncertainty is outside of our team. When you lose a series 4-0, of course people will talk about the leadership. We all know that.
"We would all, at the end of this series, be having a think about what we can do better, what have we learned from this series and what do we need to do to make this team win. Ultimately, that's what we're here for. But there's nobody looking round the dressing room thinking: 'Ooh, I wonder who's in charge?' It's very clear who's in charge, and that hasn't changed," Farbrace said.
"So when Straussy and Cooky sit down and have that chat, if it's decided that Cooky isn't the man to lead the team going forward, then there is still plenty of time before the first series in the summer (against South Africa in July)," he added.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*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: Dec 22 2016 | 10:48 AM IST

Next Story