Alastair Cook brushes aside retirement talks prior to his 150th Test

After a disappointing start to the Ashes losing the first two games, England will aim to go all guns blazing at the hosts to recover from the loss and stronghold their claim on the urn. However, a lack of runs and an uncertain future opened Alastair Cook up to criticism ahead of the third Test, but the former captain has passionately fought his corner as his 150th Test approaches.

Cook religiously defended his commitment to playing Test cricket for England in the face of sustained criticism over his motivation. The former Lions skipper, however, insisted retirement is not on his mind as he prepares for his upcoming challenge.

Already England’s most capped Test player, veteran batsman Cook will reach another milestone when struggling Ashes-holders England face Australia in Perth on Thursday. But there are suggestions the end could be nigh for Cook, who has only managed scores of 37, 16, 2 and 7 in the last couple of games.

Cook silences all his critics

Cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Kevin Pietersen also hinted at Cook’s retirement. However, the 32-year-old opener silenced all his critics after he told reporters on Tuesday, “They’ve had no contact time with me. They wouldn’t know the extra nets I’ve done behind doors. It’s just filling column inches.”

“I have no idea [when I will retire] and I’ve said that since I gave up the captaincy,” he added.

However, the flamboyant left-hander wants to be realistic and doesn’t rule out the possibility of retirement, nor did he deny that he had been pondering it. His sacking as one-day captain in 2014, has taught him how quickly the game can turn.

Meanwhile, England will take on hosts Australia in the deciding third Test which will kick off on December 12 at Perth. If the visitors lose the third Test at the WACA, they will surrender the urn to Australia.