Alastair Cook disappointed by criticism from 'so-called friend' Graeme Swann

With a change of colours, Alastair Cook has again found ‘unexpected’ criticism this season

England captain Alastair Cook isn’t impressed by the negative comments of his “so-called friend” Graeme Swann, who gave England no chance in the upcoming ODI World Cup and also wanted the skipper to stand down from the format.

After an impressive 3-1 win in the Test series, England were bowled out for 161 in the 2nd ODI against India after a washout in the first, losing the match by 133 runs (D/L method). Cook struggled at the top of the order, managing only 19 runs off 33 balls before being trapped in front of the wicket by Mohammed Shami.

Talking to BBC’s Test Match Special, Swann, who retired mid-series during Ashes down under last year, had said that Cook “should not be bothering to play one day cricket any more” and didn’t give England “a cat in hell’s chance” to win the upcoming World Cup in Australia-New Zealand in 2015.

Speaking after the crushing defeat yesterday, Cook responded by saying that such comments from his ‘friend’ were ‘disappointing’.

“I don't think it was that helpful, especially from a so-called friend. But he's entitled to his opinion,” Cook said.

It isn’t the first time when the 29-year-old England skipper has come under criticism this season. After the Lord’s defeat in the 2nd Test against India, which followed a disastrous whitewash in Australia and a series loss at home against Sri Lanka, the calls for Cook’s ouster were at their peak.

However, England scripted a stupendous comeback, winning the series 3-1 and Cook found some form with the bat, warding off the calls from his critics. Under attack for his poor form and leadership in ODIs now, Cook said that though Swann’s comments were disappointing, he’s always open to talking about it with the former off-spinner.

“It's not ideal for me, especially when you get through the summer I've had, but it is what it is. We've not spoken about it but the phone is always open. He is a good friend and has been a supporter of mine so it's a little bit disappointing.

“I am going to go and captain in this World Cup. I've done it for 3 years and we are going to build up to it and we have a good chance. The talent in the changing room is there but not if we play like that,” he added.

Cook has struck only 3 half-centuries in his last 20 innings in ODIs. His last hundred came in June 2012 against West Indies at The Oval. At the top of the order, his strike rate of 77.98 has also been a major cause of concern. However, with 33 wins from 60 matches, he remains England’s most successful ODI skipper, and is only 3 matches away from breaking Andrew Strauss’s record of 62 ODIs as captain.

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