Cook committed to stay on as England captain

Perth: Alastair Cook  has said he is desperate to stay on as England captain after hinting he may quit earlier in the week. Cook said he was considering his future as England’s one-day international skipper after his side lost the limited overs series against Australia with Sunday’s seven-wicket thrashing in Sydney on the back of a humiliating Ashes whitewash.

His spirits had improved, however, after England won the fourth ODI in Perth yesterday. “I think when you win ... obviously last week was a tough three days, I spoke what I was feeling and sometimes you probably shouldn’t do that but I did,” Cook said after England’s first win of the summer.

“I think what I’ve learned over three years, it would be wrong (to walk away) so close to the World Cup. We’re getting some valuable experience over here in the conditions we’re going to play in during the world cup. Obviously if I’m still given the opportunity I’d like to be captain,” the left-handed batsman added.

Cook had been in deliberation with a number of players about his role with the English cricket team going forward. Those players had expressed their support and backed Cook as leader, which reassured Cook of his position.

“It is always nice and the last four or five days I have done a lot of talking to some of the guys,” Cook said. “Sometimes you do need a bit of reassurance when you have lost a lot of games on a tour. When you chat to some guys you trust and some guys you respect what they’re thinking, it gives you the confidence.”

Cook has received the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board to lead the team’s rebuilding process despite becoming only the third England captain to suffer an Ashes whitewash. After losing the last ODI against Australia at home, England lost nine consecutive matches under Cook, including the five Ashes Tests.