Full Name: Alastair Nathan Cook
DOB: 25-12-1984, Gloucester
Specialist: Batsman
Bats: Left Hand Bat
Bowls: Right Arm Off Spin
Major Teams: Essex


Calm, unflappable and capable of playing long innings, Alastair Cook is a Test opener in the traditional mould. He scored 164 runs for once out in an impressive Test debut in Nagpur in March 2006 and has continued to exhibit the necessary attributes for Test runscoring that he honed at at his county under the tutelage of Graham Gooch.

Cook reached 3,000 Test runs before the age of 25 and there is every reason to expect him to achieve a similarly long and productive career as his Essex mentor. He ended a 27-innings drought without a Test ton at Barbados in February 2009.

Cook failed to adapt his style in his early limited overs appearances and needs to find a way of scoring quickly during fielding restrictions, as he lacks the ability to clear the ropes. The selectors have nonetheless kept him in the One Day picture, revealing their faith that he can prosper in coloured clothing and a belief that he will one day captain his country. Initially a clumsy and ponderous presence in the field, Cook is now an excellent gully catcher.

As vice-captain of the Test side when Andrew Strauss was controversially rested for the 2010 tour of Bangladesh Cook was installed as temporary skipper.

Batting Mat Ins NO Runs Hs Ave S/R 100's 50's 6's 4's
Career 53 95 5 3969 173 44.10 47.57 11 22 4 463
Series 1 1 0 173 173 173.00 61.57 1 0 2 16
Batting Key: Mat = Matches, Ins = Innings, NO = Not Outs, HS = Highest Score, Ave = Average Score, S/R = Strike Rate, 100s = Centuries, 50s = Fifties, 6s = Sixes, 4s = Fours
Bowling Mat Balls Run Wkts Ave. 5wkts
Career 53 6 1 0 0 0
Seies 1 0 0 0 0 0
Bowling Key: Mat = Matches, Balls = Balls Bowled, Runs = Runs Conceded, Wkts = Wickets Taken, Ave = Average, 5wkts = Five-wicket Hauls, Econ = Bowling Economy