I don't see any improvement in Cook's game: Graham Gooch

Alastair Cook has been going through a prolonged lean patch in 2018. His batting average in 14 innings this year is a mediocre 19.21. Apart from a half-century against Pakistan, the left-hander has done absolutely nothing to warrant a place in the playing XI. The English top order has deteriorated owing to Cook’s poor form and the lack of another opening partner.

Former England cricketer Graham Gooch expressed his concern over the veteran’s poor batting form. He has failed to see off the new ball against the Indian bowlers. He looked good yesterday but failed to prolong his stay at the crease raising more questions on his form. Gooch wasn’t quite pleased with the 33-year-old’s preparations and believes that there is no change in his technique.

You always need to improve

With England running the risk of a possible backlash from India after leading 2-0, Alastair Cook will need to step up his game. Graham Gooch felt that he isn’t working much towards his batting problems. The 65-year-old was of the opinion that the former England skipper was becoming more static.

“My concern watching him is that I don’t see any improvement in his game. I think he is flatlining a little bit. When you are a cricketer, as a batsman you always need to improve yourself, need to look for new things to drive your forward.” Graham Gooch was quoted as saying by the BBC. He also stated that Cook needs to do an extra inch outside the field to address his problems.

Having played 118 Test matches, Gooch surely knows what it takes to stay competitive at that level. He mentioned that one can always improve at the age of 33 or 34. “I don’t know how he’s practising, I don’t know what he’s doing away from the game, but I’m really concerned when I see him play because he makes similar mistakes and even at 33, 34, there is room to improve yourself,” he added.

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