England’s dependable middle order batsman Joe Root has lavished praises on skipper Alastair Cook has his resilient double ton against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Cook, who batted for close to 836 minutes was eventually dismissed on 263, but not before putting his side in a position of ascendancy. According to Root, this could well be a series defining innings from Cook and England could take that momentum going into the remaining matches of the series.
“As you can imagine being out there for two days it’s taken a lot out of him, but I’m sure it’s a good pain and one at the start of the week he’d have loved to have had,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll rest up tonight and be as fresh as a daisy tomorrow,” Root said, praising his skipper. Root himself looked in good nick as he was dismissed for a well made 85.
“It was a hell of an effort, two days in that heat showed huge amounts of skill, concentration and fitness. We spoke a lot as a side about batting long periods of time out here and how important it will be if we are to give ourselves a chance of winning. Our captain has led from the front and set the example for the rest of the series,” Root added in appreciation of his captain.
“He was just the same as always, pretty down to earth chats about rubbish. It’s a bit like batting in the middle, he doesn’t give you any banter or doesn’t look like he’s overly concentrating. He’s just a model professional, he knows what he needs to do and he can switch off when he needs to. I think that’s one reason he can bat long periods of time,” Root said.
Cook was given out on a no ball, and despite all the technology being present, nothing could be done. Root made his point clear about Cook’s dismissal as well. “It’s disappointing,” he said. “It’s tough, the umpires are in a position where they can never win. If they make a good decision they are expected to do it, if they make a bad one everyone wants their heads. I have a little of sympathy for the umpires out there in that heat as well, they have to concentration for just as long as we have but you want to see those decision go the right way. Unfortunately everyone makes mistakes.”