http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Peter-Hewitt-c66001 to fill – Opinion - Part 2
With Cook already the captain of the 50-over format, one therefore does not expect a complete overhaul in terms of philosophy and attitude. They have the players; they have the best resources, the necessary financial backing, and are certainly not naïve to focus all their attention on some pocket-size format; they believe in the real deal.
Whatever way he chooses to take the team forward, his first task will be to ensure that all players back him as he is taking over a team which has some serious problems to address. While the so-called ‘re-integration’ efforts have been made, it is not easy when your first assignment reads a trip to India.
As http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at their home, will not be a walk in the park.
Having said that, the weight of expectations may also not be as high as one expected from an England side which were at the peak of their powers just 12 months ago. However, Cook needs to be tactically and mentally prepared for a gruelling 8-month period.
With his opening partner retiring, a worthy replacement for him will be on the team’s mind along with his preferred combination. One thing is for certain, he will need runs himself in order to keep his own self-belief on track as plenty of other things will be there to distract him.
Also with the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Lumb-c1981 Root vying for a place in the national side.
However,the thrill just doesn't stop here. The team will play http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, who will be eager to ruffle him up - presenting a tough test of his mettle.
Strauss’ batting was affected in the wake of constant criticism, and all did not go that easily in the end. So the pressure of handling added responsibility will indeed define his own stint. He has the stats to reflect back on. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Paul-Vaughan-c76145 and Strauss remained the most successful English captains and indeed they found support from their players, who seemed to be on top of their game.
The former had the luxury of the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GP-Swann-c1501. The last four still remain in the set up, but the amount of cricket that has been played has certainly taken its toll with most of them undergoing a patchy home summer.
Cook nonetheless, will need to take it as a series-to-series basis. If he wants to call himself successful, then the team must conquer the final frontier, win a major http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 trophy, and further dominate the Ashes battle. Some goals have been achieved in the past but others are yet to be accomplished.
With time on his side, he is surely ECB’s man, but will he be http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013’s savior?... Certainly Cook has some big shoes to fill.
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