Alastair Cook has no intention of stepping down as England captain despite overseeing their first ever Test series defeat to Sri Lanka.
Cook’s leadership has been under scrutiny since the 5-0 Ashes whitewash and his position will come under increasing scrutiny following this result, but the opener insists he is keen to carry on.
“It’s a huge honour to captain England and I’m in it for the long haul, as long as I can be, because I believe I’m the right man for the job,” Cook said.
“If someone else decides that’s not the case then so be it, but I’ve got to give all blood, sweat and tears into the England captaincy. I never quit on anything, I’m a determined bloke and I’m determined to turn this around.”
Cook’s form with the bat has been a hot topic of conversation as the Essex man has not registered a century in over a year – a run of 12 Test matches. The 29-year-old admitted he needs to improve ahead of the five-Test series against India.
“I have to go back to what I know are my real basics. I’ve got 10 days of real preparation for India to make sure I’m ready for that.”
Winning captain Angelo Mathews was proud of his team, who won all three series on the tour.
“We play a lot of cricket in the subcontinent and people don’t expect us to do it in England but we’ve played some great cricket,” Mathews said.
The Sri Lankan hoped the great form shown by his team continues.
“Our bowlers are quite inexperienced but they played well. Mahela and Kumar contributed a hell of a lot and this is a fitting send off.”
