Broad hails life under Cook

Pace bowler heaps praise stand-in skipper

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 27th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Broad hails life under Cook

Broad & Cook celebrate

I'm sure he'll be nervous on Sunday but everyone's behind him and doing their best to help him.

Stuart Broad
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England seamer Stuart Broad has praised the way Alastair Cook has effortlessly slotted into his new role as England captain.

The left-handed opening batsman assumed the position as skipper for the tour of United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh after Andrew Strauss was given a rest ahead of a demanding season.

England kick-off their three-match one-day international series against Bangladesh on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, and pace bowler Broad has hailed the way captain Cook has handled the responsibility.

"Alastair has taken over with a lot of confidence and slotted into the regime very well," he said.

Opportunity

"He's worked well over the past year and is enjoying the responsibility - and the players are enjoying it.

"I'm sure he'll be nervous on Sunday but everyone's behind him and doing their best to help him.

"We've had some really good preparation, we've got used to the conditions and we're looking forward to Sunday."

The Nottinghamshire player, who is currently touring Bangladesh for the first time, recently turned down the opportunity to compete in the highly-lucrative Indian Premier League to concentrate on his international career.

The 23-year-old is adamant that decision will reap the rewards in the long-term.

He added: "We've got a really busy schedule and this time last year I thought it would be best to give my body a break.

"I'm only 23 and I need to look after myself at this age to prolong my career...it's important to look after my body at this age.

"It's a big decision but it's very personal and will differ from batsman to bowler.

"The workload is heavier on the bowler - the body is under more stress - while the batsman will probably want to know about different conditions and bowlers."

Hopeful

The IPL action starts in less than two weeks and Broad added: "It looks a fantastic tournament and you learn a lot.

"But with the winter coming and with us looking to retain the Ashes I felt a three-week break would be better for myself."

Meanwhile, all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas, a frequent member of the England one-day set-up, has confirmed he expects to play in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals.

Mascarenhas told The Times: "My gut feeling is that I will be there. Like the rest of the guys I am waiting to hear what will happen and at the moment it would probably be pretty hard to go one way or the other, but I am very hopeful.

"Security arrangements are changing within hours."