NEW DELHI: Legendary English batter Alastair Cook has recently spoken about the possibility of taking on a coaching role with the England Test team in the future.
Cook’s comments come amid England’s continued struggles in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Referring to a column by former England captain Michael Atherton, Cook discussed the idea of potentially succeeding McCullum as Test coach. He reflected on Atherton’s coverage and the discussions it sparked.
He commented on Atherton’s column, joking about the way it was written.
“The only thing I will say about it is the article needed to be 800 words and Mike Atherton had done 600 and used the final 200 and threw something in,” he said on TNT Sports.
When asked directly about his interest in coaching, Cook hinted that he would like to make a difference with the England side in the future.
“Look, at some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try and make a difference.”
Cook also clarified that, as of now, he has had no formal approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board regarding a coaching role.
“I don't know whether that is the next bit or whatever. At the moment there are people in jobs and all that kind of stuff. And there has been zero contact. Zero in it. Let's just see.”
England’s current Test situation gives context to Cook’s statements. The team recently lost the Ashes series and is seventh in the World Test Championship points table. This is the third cycle in which England seem no closer to qualifying for the final, raising questions about leadership and strategy.
Despite having some of the world’s most talented players, England has struggled to consistently perform under Brendan McCullum. The ongoing search for solutions, including potential coaching changes, highlights the urgency to improve results before the next cycle begins.
