Alastair Cook downplays talks of becoming next England head coach

Former England captain Alastair Cook has opened up on the likelihood of becoming the next head coach of the England team. Brendon McCullum has been at the helm since 2022 after Chris Silverwood stepped down.

Cook responded to ex-captain Michael Atherton's column from The Times in which the latter had suggested that Cook may be a suitable successor to McCullum.

"The only thing I will say about it is the article needed to be 800 words and Mike Atherton had done 600 and used the final 200 and threw something in. Look, at some stage in my life, would I like to be involved in the England cricket team? I think I would like to try and make a difference,” stated Cook while speaking on TNT Sports.

The veteran batter also admitted that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had not communicated anything regarding the position to Cook up until now.

"I don't know whether that is the next bit or whatever. At the moment, there are people in jobs and all that kind of stuff. And there has been zero contact. Zero in it. Let's just see,” he added.

Cook has a rich legacy when it comes to English cricket. He has registered 12,472 runs in 161 matches and a record 33 tons off his willow. Cook also holds the record for the most back-to-back appearances (159) in Test cricket. He possessed an average of 45.35 and scored 57 half-centuries too. Cook was a safe fielder too, who would mainly be positioned in the slip cordon.

He was also knighted in the 2019 New Year Honours for his services to cricket. Cook had some wonderful moments as Test skipper too. He led England in 59 Tests and had a key impact in transforming the English red-ball setup. Cook was also deeply regarded as a true legend of the game and was highly respected by cricketers from other teams as well.