All games are stepping stones for the World Cup claims Cook – Cricket News Update
As http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026, the English captain, has been clear in his ambitious that the upcoming series is a stepping stone for his side to prove themselves as a top team across all formats of the game.
While the euphoria surrounding an English-Aussie clash is evident, with the first game at Lord’s already a sellout, both captains have been quick to press down suggestions that the clashes are anything to do with Ashes, which takes place in a year’s time.
Instead, the encounters will clearly depict the improvement both sides have made or will need to make as they prepare themselves for the Champions Trophy, staged in 2013, and more notably for the World Cup 2015, which takes place in Australia and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754.
Therefore, the imminent series between the two sides has come as a give and take between both the boards. With the Aussies looking to prepare for the next year’s Champions Trophy, and Ashes, the Poms will travel Down Under prior to the mega event in 2015 and play a similar short-statured five-match ODI series.
The fact that both boards are inclined to weaken the Ashes atmosphere, the scenario further reflects changing times and changing priorities. However in hindsight, the option is practical given England’s lack of pedigree in mega tournaments, coupled with their success at Test level.
The hunger to taste success in a mega event has already been on Cook's wish list, and for that the ODI skipper is ready to take on his old foes in as many games as possible.
"The reason this series is in is because of the 2015 World Cup," Cook said. "We really want to have some warm-ups in Australia to get used to those conditions just before that World Cup. That makes sense for our preparation then, so obviously as a reciprocal thing they have to come here. As players we don't mind.”
“Clearly in a four year cycle you build to the World Cup but on the way you have to win as many games as you can. The Champions Trophy next year is half way to the World Cup and a good stepping stone," said Cook.
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