Victorious England captain said support from his wife, Alice, had persuaded him to stay on at the post after leading the side to a come-from-behind Test series win over India
London: Alastair Cook said support from his wife, Alice, had persuaded him to stay on as England captain after leading the side to a come-from-behind Test series win over India.
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After last month’s 95-run defeat by India in the second Test at Lord’s, a result that meant England had gone 10 Tests without a win, Cook faced calls from several former England captains to stand down as skipper.
Alastair Cook with his wife Alice. Pic/Getty Images
But the determined opening batsman insisted he would not quit, despite presiding over a 5-0 Ashes loss in Australia and a 1-0 defeat in a two-Test campaign at home to Sri Lanka immediately prior to the India series.
It was a decision vindicated by England ultimately defeating India 3-1 in a five-Test series, a win completed with a crushing innings and 244-run victory at The Oval on Sunday.
“It was the support I had from my wife,” said Cook, when asked what had persuaded him against resigning as England captain. “You can bare your soul to Alice and she’s very good at getting you back on the straight and narrow,” the Essex left-hander added.
‘I’m a resilient guy’
However, the 29-year-old left-hander added: “But I’m quite stubborn, I believe in my ability and I’m a resilient guy — that was when I needed it most.
“I’m glad I stuck though the tough times, that is what sport is about — it tests your character. To bounce back as a team is a testament to our character too.
“I don’t play this game to prove people right or wrong, I do it to try and win games of cricket for England. I’m here because I’m passionate about English cricket and believe I am the right man to take this team forward.” Cook also ended his poor run of form with scores of 95 and 70 not out in England’s 266-run win at Southampton.
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