*Official* England in South Africa

[archie mac]

And it's not as if he's the first player to cut back his range of shots after a poor run. Didn't Steve Waugh do exactly that at one stage? iirc Thorpe did as well. Granted he's been lucky to stay there as long as he has, but if the penny has dropped, then good luck to him.

And as we speak, MPV on TMS is commenting on a change of technique that he's noticed in Cook's game.

No not the first, but I can't see any other changes tbh, his backlift looks the same to me, but I could be wrong

 

[Pothas]

Great job Cook, that was so important for him and England (looking good to win me some money as well).

 

[Shri]

Its just been about 3 years since Alastair Cook's debut and he is already plating his 50th test at just 25 years of age! Awesome.

 

[wpdavid]

No not the first, but I can't see any other changes tbh, his backlift looks the same to me, but I could be wrong

I'd back your judgement about technique over mine any day. Mind you, I'd say the same to TEC too.

 

[wpdavid]

Its just been about 3 years since Alastair Cook's debut and he is already plating his 50th test at just 25 years of age! Awesome.

Its extraordinary,isn't it. If form and fitness permit, he could play 150 tests.

 

[Dydl]

Yes, Cook.

 

[Shri]

Its extraordinary,isn't it. If form and fitness permit, he could play 150 tests.

Yeah. Playing him in ODIs might do his scoring rate some good and would also maybe let him evolve better as a player.

 

[archie mac]

I'd back your judgement about technique over mine any day. Mind you, I'd say the same to TEC too.

Thanks mate, they also said Bradman did not lift his bat straight, and he seemed to go OK

 

[Hit_Wicket]

Gritty innings from Cook; expended a lot of patience and mental fortitude.

A timely knock for himself as well as in the context of the match situation.

The game was begging for a someone to stand up and make a hundred.

 

[BoyBrumby]

Odds on a blob for Belly now?

Seriously, I think Cook has shown why his place wasn't seriously questioned despite his somewhat iffy form. He has the mental fortitude to adjust to his imperfect technique. Bell has the sounder technique, but mentally?

Hope he proves me wrong.

 

[Sir Alex]

Its just been about 3 years since Alastair Cook's debut and he is already plating his 50th test at just 25 years of age! Awesome.

Yes and at this rate also accounting for the usual peaking around 30 years of age he is a genuine contender for most runs and most centuries by the time he retires.

 

[Scaly piscine]

Will be interesting to see if Cook goes on, has a tendency to get out limply after reaching 100.

 

[wpdavid]

Odds on a blob for Belly now?

Seriously, I think Cook has shown why his place wasn't seriously questioned despite his somewhat iffy form. He has the mental fortitude to adjust to his imperfect technique. Bell has the sounder technique, but mentally?

Hope he proves me wrong.

He's in a no-win situation today. If he succeeds, it'll have been after Cook & Colly did the hard work.

 

[Briony]

And with the lack of decent bowlers around Cook could amass a mountain of runs.

 

[archie mac]

Will be interesting to see if Cook goes on, has a tendency to get out limply after reaching 100.

Just thinking the same thing, has used a lot of mental energy to reach his ton, will be interesting to see if he can take fresh guard

 

[BoyBrumby]

He's in a no-win situation today. If he succeeds, it'll have been after Cook & Colly did the hard work.

A fair point, tbh, yes. Better easy (or easier) runs than no runs at all tho.

Stating the bleedin' obvious as that is.

 

[GIMH]

Will be interesting to see if Cook goes on, has a tendency to get out limply after reaching 100.

Yeah, just bet my mate that he'll get out for less than 10 more

 

[Briony]

England in a position of extreme strength here. SA really has struggled at home during its past two series. Cook is a dull batsman in the mould of a Katich but at least he gets the job done.

 

[Uppercut]

I like watching him bat. Love how he consistently pulls 90mph+ bowlers off a good length for a boundary.

 

[King Pietersen]

WTF? New ball available yet Smith continues with Harris. Can't see the logic there.