Carry on sledging India, Cook advises Anderson
Skipper Alastair Cook has urged bowler James Anderson to continue riling opponents as England bid to steal the series initiative in the fourth Test against India at Old Trafford, which starts today.
Indian complaints against the decision to clear Anderson of breaching the code of conduct ran aground yesterday after the International Cricket Council confirmed it would not contest the ruling.
Anderson stood accused of abusing and pushing Ravindra Jadeja during the first Test at Trent Bridge, a situation which has been allowed to rumble on and overshadow a tension-ridden series, which is currently locked at 1-1.
The ICC’s decision to take no further action leaves Anderson, the leading wicket-taker in the series with 16 scalps, free to concentrate on leading England’s bowling unit at Old Trafford and the Oval alongside Stuart Broad, who is set for knee surgery in the next month.
And while Cook accepts Anderson has pushed boundaries at times and been on the edge of sledging acceptability, he insists the 32-year-old needs to persist with his aggressive on-field attitude.
“We want to play competitive cricket, we don’t want it to be too nicey-nicey and everyone just saying we are playing in the right spirit,” said Cook.
“There’s always that muddied line. There’s little bits where he might have overstepped the mark occasionally throughout his career, but you’d rather him be on the line than too passive.”
Cook, meanwhile, has admitted he questioned his suitability for the role of England captain and wrestled with the possibility of quitting before removing any such thoughts from his mind.
The 29-year-old went into the third Test under intense pressure, but knocks of 95 and an unbeaten 70 eased his own batting woes as England ended a 10-Test losing streak in style.
Concerns remain over his tactical shortcomings but Cook hopes his revival in form, although he remains without a Test century in 29 innings, will ensure his judgements still hold weight.
“It was only natural that I did question my own position,” added Cook.
“It’s a great job to have, the England captaincy. To throw It away just as it gets really tough, I couldn’t live with that decision at that time.
“It’s always hard as a captain, you’re saying stuff you’re not backing up. Hopefully the guys respect me enough in the dressing room.
“It makes it easier when you score runs, you have more authority and that’s what leadership is, leading from the front.”