Former England Test skipper Alastair Cook says he is friendly with Joe Root

Alastair Cook, who was appointed the England skipper in 2012, led his side in 59 Tests which includes two Ashes wins and series wins in South Africa and India before being replaced by Joe Root. The Yorkshire batsman currently is training to lead England against South Africa for the first time at Lord’s on July 6.

When India got the better of England in the home series last year, Cook had put down his papers as the captain, saying “A lot will be made of it, there always is”

“It’s a good story to write about but I think it’ll be absolutely fine in terms of our relationship.”

Cook also hopes that his transition back from a captain to a player for the team is smooth.

“I feel like I can get back in the troops and get on with it and hopefully score some runs and help England win cricket games, which ultimately is what everyone wants to see,” he added.

The southpaw opening batsman has more Test centuries to his name than any of his predecessors and he is also England’s highly prolific run-getter with 11,057 runs in 140 Tests.

And with the rise of a couple of batting prospects in India for his team’s weak top order, Cook hopes he can continue making an impact with the bat. Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hamid became Cook’s 10th and 11th opening partners after the retirement of Andrew Strauss. Both the colts have showed signs of bright futures after impressive debuts in India.

“You’re always under pressure, that’s what life is about,” Cook said. “That is what playing international cricket or being a professional sportsman is. You’re there to score runs”, Cook said while speaking during NatWest CricketForce at Copdock CC

After the ICC Champions Trophy, England will give in their all for the Ashes in January 2018.