Alastair Cook looks back and forward in his role as England skipper
England captain Alastair Cook is used to the tough job of facing the media, yet giving an interview to ecb.co.uk while being made up for a photoshoot was a tricky challenge.
Cook spoke about impending fatherhood, life on his family farm and the start of a “different cycle” for his England side.
Since the disappointing tour of Australia, the opening batsman has been preparing for the new season - he was rested for the one-day series with West Indies - and particularly England’s summer schedule.
Sri Lanka and India are the visitors this year and they will face a team without the likes of Graeme Swann and Kevin Pietersen, whose England careers are over, and one led by Andy Flower’s successor as Team Director.
Cook, who this winter oversaw Ashes and one-day series losses Down Under, said: “It was a very tough three-and-a-half months. (We were) very disappointed with the way we played.
“It certainly feels it’s kind of an end of an era in that side really. It maybe happened a bit quicker than we all would have liked and all would have thought, but there are a few very good players who are no longer going to play for England again.
“We have to build again. Every side is cyclical and we’re at the start of a different cycle now. (It’s) a great opportunity for a number of players that are around to try and force their way into the England team. It’s a great place to play cricket, playing for England and represent(ing) you country.”