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Sky Cricket Podcast: All the reaction as Alastair Cook resigns as England Test captain

Sky Sports Cricket Podcast

Former England captains Michael Atherton, Sir Ian Botham, Nasser Hussain and David Gower react to Alastair Cook's decision to step down as Test captain.

Cook led England in 59 Tests, winning 24, but following the 4-0 series defeat in India, he has decided to call time on his four-and-a-half year reign.

All four of Atherton, Botham, Gower and Hussain know what it takes to lead your country and mental strength is certainly high on the list of the necessary attributes, with Hussain arguing that Cook is "the toughest cricketer England has ever produced" in that respect.

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Watch Alastair Cook's top five moments as England Test captain

Gower, meanwhile, spoke of the demands of the job and believes that the "immense respect" Cook had within the dressing room and an ability to relate to and motivate his players.

For Botham, Cook should be remembered for his achievements as captain - winning two Ashes series and away victories in India and South Africa - as well as his feats with the bat.

There was also talk of who would replace Cook and although the widely-held consensus is that Joe Root's appointment is a formality, Atherton believes that it would be sensible for England to consider other options as well rather than simply handing him the job.

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