Andy Flower says Alastair Cook was the key figure in England’s success – Cricket News Update
From losing 3-0 to Pakistan in the UAE at the start of this year, England has been on a remarkable journey towards conquering the final frontier in India. After bagging the 4-match Test series against the home side (2-1), England’s coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andrew-Flower-c44362, tagged
the skipper, Alastair Cook, as the main difference between the two sides.
After having reached the top of Test rankings in 2011, the English were criticized for their capitulation against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Abdur-Rehman-c41691 proved lethal for the Poms.
Learning from their mistakes in UAE, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 after 28 years, proving that they have matured enough to face sub-continental attacks.
Lauding Cook for his magnificent display during the entire series, Flower believes his defiant century in Ahmedabad during the first Test (which England lost by 9 wickets), showed the team what could be achieved with the right composure and patience.
“That innings at Ahmedabad was vitally important as a lead. It provided evidence that runs could be scored if you use your brain, if you've got a reasonable method, if you show courage and discipline. For the captain to do that was especially important.
He has been very influential in the series. We are very lucky to follow a quality bloke like Andrew Strauss with a quality bloke like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026 as leaders of the England side,” shared Flower.
Leading from the front, Captain Cook scored a century not only at Ahmedabad, but also in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 and Kolkata. Scoring 562 runs in 8 innings during the tournament, the 27-year-old was awarded Man of the Series for his prime efforts with the bat.
Taking over the captaincy from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964 after his retirement earlier this year, the left-handed opener was appreciated for his efforts not only as a batsman but also as a capable successor.
“I thought tactically he has been excellent - and you can't always say that about English sides in the sub-continent,” added Flower.
Playing his first series as a permanent Test Captain, the 27-year-old could not have been more satisfied with his side’s performance, gifting their nation a huge win in India as this year’s Christmas present.
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