Ashes 2017-18: Graeme Swann worried about the future of Alastair Cook

What’s the story?

Former England off-spinner Graeme Swann has expressed his disappointment over the form of Alastair Cook when he said that the lack of runs is getting very worrying.

"I've spoken to him and I'm torn because I know how determined he is. But I don't know how hungry he is to carry on. I can't see a great deal of longevity in his career." Swann told Test Match Special after the fourth day's play.

The details

Swann also said that Cook is gutted for not having contributed enough, but at the same time he still has the fire in him to drag on and continue playing for England.

The off-spinner also said that despite looking tired and out-of-sorts, there is no real alternative present for England to replace Cook, which is another problem.

Swann also mentioned that Cook is young and fit enough to be in the team and the fact that he is bound to score runs once he goes back and plays for Essex underlines the fact that he is good enough.

In case you didn’t know…

The left-hander has only managed to score 83 runs in the six innings he has played so far and this has hit England hard as their most experienced player has just not looked to be in the groove.

What’s next?

As England battle along to save this match in Perth, the future of Alastair Cook remains in the balance as owing to indifferent starts, the middle order has been exposed to the new ball far too often this series.

Author’s take

There is little doubt over the pedigree of Alastair Cook, as his 11,712 Test runs suggest, but this rut in his game could not have come at a worse time for England.

The lack of runs at the top of the order is one of the many reasons why England have fell so far behind not only in the ongoing third Test match but also in the series where there are on the cusp of surrendering the Ashes!