Cook disappointed by adverse comments on captaincy
Alastair Cook numbers Graeme Swann as only a “so-called friend” after his former team-mate’s assertion that England would be better off without his captaincy at the World Cup.
Cook’s team put in a wretched performance with ball and then bat on the way to a 133-run ODI defeat against India in Cardiff.
And the captain appeared even less pleased by ex-England off-spinner Swann’s remarks, that for his own sake and his team’s he should give ODIs a miss for the remainder of his career.
“I don’t think it’s that helpful - especially from a so-called friend,” said Cook.
“He’s entitled to his opinion,” added Cook.
“(But) it’s not ideal for me, especially when you get through the summer I’ve had.
“I am a little bit disappointed, because he is a good friend of mine, and has been a supporter. It’s not helpful at this time, because I am going to be captain in this World Cup.
“I’ve done it for three-and-a-half years. We’re going to build up to that, and we’ve got a good chance.”
In the match, England began well with the ball, reducing India to 19 for two, and then with the bat as Cook and debutant Alex Hales put on a half-century opening stand.
But precious little else went right.
“You could look at some good spots, I suppose,” said Cook.
“I thought Chris Woakes bowled nicely up front, and came back pretty strong when the carnage was happening. Obviously, it wasn’t a 300 wicket - and it wasn’t a 160 wicket.”
Cook’s opposite number Mahendra Singh Dhoni was pleased with the all-round effort.
It was Raina’s hundred that changed the game, and Dhoni said: “It was a fantastic knock.
“It was important he stayed there, because he was one batsman who was set.
“We realised that if we could get a partnership going, if we had wickets in hand, we could make a lot of runs in the last 10-12 overs. So his innings was very crucial.”
