Anderson backs Cook to deliver

AFP

Anderson backs Cook to deliver

James Anderson is sanguine on new Test skipper Alastair Cook leading England back to the numero uno status in world cricket.

By Espnstar.com

England will commence their arduous tour of India against the India ‘A’ on Tuesday in Mumbai. The home side have left no stone unturned in keeping the visitors at a fair distance from the Indian conditions.

The Suresh Raina-led side is devoid of any spinner in its ranks as the selectors have opted to go with an all-out pace attack.

Selectors’ decision to not include any spinner for the warm-up fixture evoked sharp criticism from various quarters which also included former English skipper Michael Vaughan, who termed these tactics as “pathetic”.

On the contrary, the English camp is unfazed by such mind games and is counting on the available options. England think-tank expectedly  is not looking to give too much importance to such talks and would rather concentrate on getting into the rhythm under their new captain Alastair Cook.

“It’s very exciting having a new bloke in charge. It will be a bit strange for the first couple of weeks without Strauss barking orders. But Cooky has done a great job leading the one-day side and everyone has enjoyed his captaincy style,” Anderson was quoted by The Sun.

“People might think Cooky and Straussy are similar characters because of their public school upbringing and both being left-handed openers. But the reality is they are completely different.

“Straussy was always destined to be captain. He had a Churchillian way about him. He was very eloquent when he spoke and everyone listened. Cooky can rouse the troops but in a different way.

“Some of his speeches when captaining the one-day team have been great. He gets the guys to follow him and win games of cricket. He has done that brilliantly.

"We’re the No 1-ranked one-day team. One thing Cooky will do well is put his own stamp on the job. He won’t try to emulate Strauss. That’s the worst thing he could do.

“Cooky is a very determined bloke. Never underestimate him just because he looks like a choirboy. When he gets a challenge, he really wants to take it on.”

England play four warm-up matches in build-up to the first Test starting from 15th November in Ahmedabad.

Anderson is looking forward for the challenge and is egged to play under Cook.