Number-one status shocks Alastair Cook – Cricket News Update
England’s one-day skipper, Alastair Cook, in a recent interview admitted that England were not expecting a number-one spot in the limited overs game at this point in time, and were taken aback by their recent promotion.
“It was certainly a surprise when it came through that we were number one. As a side it was something we were aiming for a bit later on but it's credit to the way we've played over the last year or so that we've had some really good results,” said the left-handed batsman.
England’s top spot has come after being dethroned from their number-one position in Test cricket by South Africa last week when they lost their third and final Test match.
However, with 10 wins without any loss, Cook’s men are the reigning number-one team in one-day cricket at the moment.
With the upcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series, the Proteas, now have a chance to relinquish England from their recently acquired status.
Nonetheless, Cook expressing his desire for improvement said, “For me we've got such a long way to go in terms of where we want to get to and the amount of improvement we've got to make."
England take on South Africa on Friday in the first ODI, where the Poms would be aiming to avenge their Test defeat and redeem lost glory against the mighty South Africans.
Avoiding answering questions regarding the Kevin Pietersen fiasco, the English skipper insisted that all outstanding issues needed to be resolved between the concerned parties.
Experts believe England have a depleted batting unit in the absence of KP, who is facing an early retirement from England cricket due to his issues with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Meanwhile, South Africa look all set to leave an impression in the one-day fixtures, as the Proteas skipper, AB de Villiers, believes his side has the fire power in their bowling attack to penetrate through the defences of the meagre English batting line-up that lacks depth.
Both skippers expressed desire to take an early lead in the series by winning the opening match on August 24.
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