Alastair Cook - The Bat that Defies Controversies

Alastair Cook – The Bat that Defies Controversies: Alastair Cook the run machine for England has added yet another feather to his teeming cap as he now becomes the highest run getter for England in tests in the ongoing series against New Zealand. The England Captain seldom disappoints with a bat in his hand in the longest form of the game. His technique and virtuosity all seem tailor-made for test cricket and his illustrious test career speaks volumes of that.

Ever since he made his test debut against India in 2006, runs have abundantly come from the willow of his bat and has made a name for himself as a good test batsman and captain as well in the international cricket scene. He is known for the graceful conventional batting technique that he possesses and his ability to spend longer duration’s at the crease, enough to frustrate the bowlers. Cook now has 27 test centuries against his name and according to little master Sunil Gavaskar Cook has what it takes to pass the 50 centuries mark. He has been impressive as a leader as well and has led his troops to some famous wins.

The 2010-11 Ashes series was a personally memorable series for Cook. His form going into the tournament wasn’t great and not many people put their money on Cook to do what he eventually did. He answered his scepters in the strongest possible fashion plundering runs in the series (766 runs) and helping England notch up a memorable series win against arch-rivals Australia. Cook scored 3 centuries and 2 fifties which includes a double century in the series.

The 2013 home Ashes series marked Cook’s first Ashes series as captain. He led his side to a 3-0 triumph and notwithstanding his not so impressive performance with the bat he was hailed for how he led his team. Cook was not a permanent member in the ODI team and he was in and out of the side. Even then, his exclusion from the team for the World Cup, 2015 was rather surprising and didn’t go down too well as England crashed out of the tournament in the group stage.

Cook had himself been involved in some controversies as he had a personal feud with counterpart Kevin Pietersen. KP had described him as someone who lacks tactical brain and is in the side due to politics. They were involved in a series of verbal wars, but the board stood by Cook and temporarily suspended Pietersen. Despite all the controversies surrounding the English man he has more often than not managed to silence his critics by answering with the bat. The English batsman has all that takes to become one of the best test players of all time. He has all the ingredients and we’ll have to wait and see how far, or how legendary his career Cooks.