He might have ended up on the losing side in the Champion County match in Abu Dhabi, but Alastair Cook admitted it had been a useful exercise ahead of England’s tour to the West Indies.
The England captain had a first-hand view of players such as Adam Lyth and Adil Rashid, who were both selected to be part of England’s 15-man touring squad of the Caribbean, and he had plenty to enjoy as Lyth hit 113 before adding an unbeaten 46 in the second innings, while Rashid returned match figures of 6-125.
LISTEN: @ECB_cricket captain Alastair Cook reflects on MCC's tour to the UAE: https://t.co/dfXDZcAgpt#MCCUAEpic.twitter.com/ZZ6ljktxz2
— Lord's Ground (@HomeOfCricket) March 25, 2015
“I had my England hat on a little bit when Adam was batting and Rash was bowling,” Cook said.
“Also in the next generation of players. With the amount of English international cricket I’ve played over the last few years you don’t get to hear about the young guys coming through and you don’t get to see them play.
“So to see (Alex) Lees play, Jack Leaning as well, it’s just a little indication of the future.”
Cook will lead England on their three-match Test series, starting at the beginning of April and he has enjoyed the chance to relax as part of the Marylebone Cricket Club side.
Reflecting on the tour, he said: “It’s been a great tour, as a cricketer to be a part of the MCC it’s a great club in terms of history and tradition so when John (Stephenson) asked me to be here, you know you can’t really turn it down.”
He added: “You get to experience different kinds of people, pick their brains and enjoy each other’s company. Cricket can be a very serious thing but this week was nice and relaxed but it’s the kind of thing that you’ll look back on in years to come.”