Cook considers position as captain

Alastair Cook is pondering his future as England captain
20 January 2014

Alastair Cook has indicated his time as England captain could be close to an end after the one-day international series against Australia was meekly conceded in Sydney.

England have endured a horror tour down under, losing all eight games against Australia in 86 days on tour including the 5-0 Ashes whitewash.

That has left the spotlight on their 29-year-old captain and, after the defeats have piled up, Cook has conceded it has left him contemplating his future.

"I think I'm going to have to make a decision on that after you take stock of the next two games (to end the series)," he said.

"We'll sit down and talk over a lot of things. I think there will be some changes.

"I think English cricket needs a little bit of a change as well.

"The last few months we haven't played the cricket we are capable of. We have to look at the reasons why."

Cook was given the backing to remain in charge by the England and Wales Cricket board during the fifth Test in Sydney a fortnight ago.

Asked if he felt his position has been undermined since, Cook added: "I don't really want to get dragged into my position. I think it's been two weeks since someone asked me that question - it's been a long two weeks.

"We have kept losing games of cricket and I haven't been able to turn it around."

Cook is due to meet team director Andy Flower and new managing director Paul Downton when he returns home to conduct a review of the Australia tour.

Flower spoke of the need to begin a "new era" in English cricket after the Ashes sweep, with under-performing stars such as Kevin Pietersen's future most hotly debated.

Cook's future as captain is now likely to take over top billing.

While the left-hander would appear still to have the backing of the ECB to remain on as Test captain, his comments straight after the seven-wicket defeat at the SCG suggest he could at least relinquish the 50-over reins.

For now Cook is determined to remain for the final two games of the ODI series, which finishes in Adelaide on January 26, and try to end England's losing streak.

"I've got a job to do," he said.

"I've got a job to try and turn this around - try and win one of these games. That's the task at hand.

"I'm competitive. I want to leave everything out on the pitch."

Cook does not fear any backlash back in England should his side suffer a second series whitewash this winter, adding: "We'll deserve the stick we get because we haven't won games of cricket. Simple deal."

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