James Anderson feared Alastair Cook would quit England role
Tuesday 11 August 2015 10:12, UK
James Anderson admits he feared Alastair Cook would step down from his role as England captain in the wake of criticism.
Now he hopes the 30-year-old will stay on in his role after last week’s Ashes win and has tipped him to do that for "at least another couple of years".
The victory came off the back of a testing 18-month period in which Cook’s leadership qualities had been questioned and critics pondered whether he should even be in the side.
Anderson, England’s all-time wicket-taker, missed the clinching victory against Australia at Trent Bridge with a side strain but is now bidding to be fit for the final test at The Oval.
He has paid tribute to the role Cook has played in the Ashes success, highlighting he wasn’t always convinced he would still be in a position to see it through.
Anderson told The Sun: "I'll be honest, there were times when I thought Cooky was going to quit as captain.
"His leadership was criticised, even his personality was vilified. He was subjected to all manner of attacks.
"But he never lost the respect and support of his players and has now become only the third man after WG Grace and Mike Brearley to captain England to two Ashes successes at home.
"Cooky has certainly endued some low points, such as us being whitewashed in Australia, losing to Sri Lanka at Headingley last summer, being beaten by India at Lord’s and having the one-day captaincy taken away from him.
"The way he spoke at times, he sounded as though he'd had enough of the scrutiny and pressure. He could easily have walked away.
"A less-determined man would have done but he was always thinking about the best interests of the team.
"If Cooky believed the stress he was under was affecting the team, he’d have stood down but he believed he should absorb the pressure himself and deflect it away from the players.
"Thankfully he stuck with the job. What a great decision and now I hope he remains England Test captain for at least another couple of years.
"Some people might think it’s a good time for him to stand down now. After all, what can top an Ashes win?
"But we have two very tough tours this winter in the UAE and South Africa. They would be very difficult for any new captain. I hope Cooky stays. I think he will."
The Ashes - Live
Watch coverage of the fifth Ashes Test live on Sky Sports Ashes HD from August 20. You can also watch the fifth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
