Alastair Cook is the former England team captain and probably one of the best openers in the world. He is facing some serious form issues in recent few years. The bad-form ghost is not ready to let go of Cook. The questions which obviously come to everyone’s minds these days: Is the limit reached for the world’s active highest runs scorer in test matches? Will he get back his mojo? Can he retire on a positive note?
Can he still break Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 15921 runs?
The answer was ‘hell yes!’ a few years ago. But looking at his present dark form, most people will disagree on the chances of that happening.
He made his debut in 2006 against India. Since then, this 33-year-old English man has provided some fabulous starts to England innings. So far he has amassed 12000+ runs and 32 centuries in the 5-day format. He has been England’s pride and a true gentleman both on and off the field.
Such is his aura, respect, and past statistics, that he is part of the playing 11 in almost all matches England has played in recent times, in spite of the rough form. The last year and particularly the ongoing series against India has been very tough for him. His all-time test average has dropped from 47+ to 45. This clearly hints at the struggles he has gone through since the last few years.
Temporary dark clouds over this genius English star?
As a cricket fan whether you are from England or any other country, you really feel sad to see such a praiseworthy sportsman suddenly lose his mojo. What makes it sadder is that the bad patch has continued in his home conditions.
It’s another thing to captain your side and lose 4-0 to India in India. However, he is not able to handle Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin in his own country. This thing must be affecting him a lot.
So far, he should be thankful to captain Joe Root and team selectors for giving him one chance after another. But he has given away his wicket very cheap since many innings. The kind of start and solid footing which he and Andrew Strauss provided England over the last many years has become so very rare, especially after Strauss retired.
What hurts me is the thought if it is the slow death of the Cook era. The past numbers and statistics prove his talent and class. But present numbers make his fans put their
heads down in disappointment. Is the limit reached? Is the permanent sunset closer than we expected?
Or Is it just some very dark clouds blocking the sun? Amidst these clouds, there does appear a silver lining if we see closely. Cook somehow every time is able to leave his earlier bad inning behind. He appears relaxed and smiling on the field and in the dressing room. This clearly shows this is just bad form and he is confident of playing a great comeback knock. Also, England team management must have assured their full support to this master batsman. They seem ready to wait until he starts hitting those sweet spots again.
Will the Phoenix rise again?
I believe this 33-year-old has many years to contribute to international cricket and entertain his fans. And he is and will keep inspiring budding young cricketers all over the world, especially in the UK.
He may not cross Sachin’s record of 15921 runs. But he can definitely become number 2 in the all-time run-scorers list. He can beat Ricky Ponting’s record of 13378 runs, which Cook is short of just around 1000 runs.
I still pray for the day when his fans will experience the immense joy of his grand return. The day when they will shower him with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. That day when he will play one big tenacious innings and raise his bat in glory. Such an inning will stop this era from an untimely end. This Phoenix needs to rise again. And begin one last successful phase of a class batting era in the English cricket history.
I am sure the Phoenix will rise again. Soon.
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