Flower opts for captain Cook
ENGLAND will today confirm Alastair Cook as the successor to Andrew Strauss as their one-day international skipper and Stuart Broad will be revealed as the new Twenty20 leader.
Strauss, who will remain as Test captain, has been considering his future ever since England’s recent World Cup campaign ended in a crushing 10-wicket quarter-final defeat against Sri Lanka.
Cook (right), 26, led the side on last spring’s successful tour of Bangladesh and his promotion represents the first bold act by head coach Andy Flower since he signed a contract extension on Tuesday.
On the prospect of him taking over the one-day reins from Strauss, Cook told Morning Wire last month: “You wouldn’t turn it [the captaincy] down if it’s offered. Of course the idea of leading the side appeals to me and I enjoyed doing it when I went to Bangladesh. I like to challenge myself and if you get a chance to take it you’d be left with a big regret at the end of your career if you turned it down.”
Despite his pedigree, his elevation to captaincy represents a surprise considering his modest limited overs record. He averages just over 33 from 26 ODIs and has represented his country in that format of the game a meager three times since February 2008.
CAREER REVIEW | ALASTAIR COOK
Mar 2006: Makes debut in India.
Feb 2009: Ends a run of 15 Tests without a century with 139* against West Indies.
Aug 2009: Part of the England side that wins back the Ashes.
Mar 2010: Captains England on their successful tour of Bangladesh.
Jan 2011: England win back the Ashes thanks to Cook’s 776 series runs, including a double century in Brisbane.