Good things were expected by the English fans and media from the likes of Graeme Swann, James Anderson and Jonathan Trott ahead of this Ashes series but that wasn't necessarily the case with Alastair Cook. The Essex man struggled badly for runs over the summer and it was only that slightly fortunate century against Pakistan that kept him in the side.
'Cookie' looks a different player at the moment now though and has defied his critics as he's shot to the head of the 'runs scored' table with over 100 more than his nearest rival (on either side) - Mike Hussey. His resilient 67 in the first innings of the First Test kept England in the game, his 235 not out in the second innings ensured an England defeat was out of the question. Then there was the small matter of another big hundred in the Second Test after his opening partner Andrew Strauss got out cheaply, which set up England's win.
The transformation has been a remarkable one. I've spent some time with him in the nets over the past few days and can see big improvements in his technique, most notably the fact he's moving his feet more. He also comes across as confident and relaxed, two priceless assets for an opening batsman.
The cynics would say Australia's bowling hasn't been up to much and that a better attack would have caused him more problems. Perhaps, but you can only score runs against the opposition in front of you. Where he's been slightly fortunate is that with the exception of that first morning at Brisbane, the ball hasn't swung. It's when it's bending like a boomerang that Cook has really struggled, as he did against the likes of Mohammed Asif and Mohammad Amir in the summer. But then again, most openers find it hard batting in those conditions.
His form in the Tests will have some championing his return to the ODI Team, especially with the World Cup coming up, but a comeback in the 50-over format may not be as simple as that. Andrew Strauss and Steven Davies are the established opening pair at the moment. It's unlikely Strauss will bat lower down the order and the England management seem to like Davies' aggressive approach against the new ball with the fielding restrictions in place so I'm not sure where Cook fits into the equation. He'll just have to wait for another chance and make the most of it if it comes along.
A final word on his prospects as the future Test captain. He's been talked about as Strauss' successor almost since he first broke into the team and one can see why, which is the reason he was given the vice-captaincy. But it's anyone's guess how long Strauss will stay in the job - at the moment the team are going through a purple patch, Strauss is playing well and looks extremely fit. If by the time he decides to call it a day Cook is out of the side or his place is under pressure, the ECB may decide to look elsewhere. Ian Bell has become an increasingly confident cricketer with a good tactical brain whilst Stuart Broad is an integral part of the side and has the type of strong personality to deal with the pressures of the job, so he may be one of those putting his hand up for consideration too. In a hypothetical world, if Strauss decided he'd had enough at the end of this Ashes Series then yes, Cook would probably get the job, but a lot could happen between now and the time the ECB have to make that decision.
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