London, Jan 4: Former England captain Alastair Cook has indicated that he would be open to working with the England men’s team at some point in the future, saying he would like to “try to make a difference” if the opportunity arises.
The discussion around Cook’s potential involvement gained momentum after former England skipper Michael Atherton suggested that Cook could be considered for a role as assistant coach following the Ashes. Atherton believes a contrasting voice in the dressing room could help England reset standards after a disappointing run over the past year.
While acknowledging that Cook’s inclusion would represent a sharp shift in approach — even calling it “a complete clash” — Atherton felt that such a change might be exactly what England need at this stage.
Responding to the suggestion, Cook told Sky Sports that he has not been approached by the England setup but remains open to the idea in the long term. “At some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try to make a difference,” Cook said. “I do not 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.”
Atherton, speaking alongside former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, said England could benefit from hearing something different within the group after a dip in performances. “It might be just the time for that different kind of voice,” he remarked.
While praising head coach Brendon McCullum for creating a positive environment, Atherton also pointed out that standards have slipped. “What Brendon McCullum’s great strength is, he makes players feel 10 feet tall and feel good about themselves, but I think we all agree that standards have slipped a little bit in performance,” he said.
Atherton added that England need someone who can reinforce discipline and expectations, a role he believes Cook could fulfil. “Somebody to drive a culture of getting back to the standards that Ben Stokes talked about in that press conference a couple of years ago,” he noted.
Cook retired as one of England’s finest Test batters, amassing 12,472 runs in 161 Tests at an average of 45.35, with 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries. For a period, he was England’s leading run-scorer and century-maker in the format before being surpassed by Joe Root.
He also enjoyed outstanding success in Australia, scoring 1,664 runs at an average of 48.94, including five centuries. Cook’s marathon innings during the 2010–11 Ashes — where he piled up 766 runs at an average of 127.66 — were central to England’s historic series triumph Down Under, further cementing his legacy as one of the great Ashes performers. (IANS)
