Cook called up to England squad

Following Michael Vaughan’s injury, Essex opener Alistair Cook has been called up to the England squad.

Cook enjoyed a golden summer for Essex this year, averaging 48 in the County Championship, and winning the PCA young cricketer of the year award.

David Graveney, chairman of selectors explained the decision “Alastair Cook has been called into the squad as we felt we needed an opening batsman to provide cover not only for Michael Vaughan, but also for Andrew Strauss who is expected to fly home before the third Test to attend the birth of his child.” Robert Key and Owais Shah would most likely have been picked ahead of Cook, but luckily for the 20 year-old left hander both have undergone surgery in recent weeks.

Obviously Cook was very excited at the prospect of playing for England. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be heading to Pakistan, it’s unfortunate for Vaughan to be injured but a great opportunity for me and I will make the most of it.”

England Test squad
Michael Vaughan (c), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles, Steve Harmison. Matthew Hoggard, Geraint Jones (wk), Alex Loudon, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior (wk), Andrew Strauss, Chris Tremlett, Marcus Trescothick, Shaun Udal, Liam Plunkett, Alastair Cook.