Alastair Cook equals Sunil Gavaskar's 31-year old record

Former England skipper Alastair Cook, who was struggling with the willow finally broke the deadlock, and he did so in style. Cook, 33, scored his 32nd Test century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test to enter an elite club of only two batsmen. With his 104 not out earlier today, Cook equalled Indian great Sunil Gavaskar record as the only two overseas batsmen to have scored a century at Australia’s five main Test venues.

Gavaskar’s record had stood for 31 years, since 1986. Cook has now scored hundreds in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne. The 68-year-old Indian is the only other non-Australian batsman to have compiled Test tons at these major grounds.

However, lack of runs and an uncertain future opened Alastair Cook up to criticism. The left-handed opener Cook, who has only managed scores of 37, 16, 2 and 7 in the last couple of games, had to face criticism regarding his place in the team. But he came back strong and gave a fitting reply with his bat to silence all his critics and in the process helped England fight back in the fourth Ashes Test.

Moeen Ali’s form remains a pressing issue for the Lions

England all-rounder Moeen Ali’s form has become a major concern for the Three Lions. He managed to bowl only six overs on the first day of the fourth Test and has taken just three wickets in the Ashes series at a cost of 117 each. Playing in his 48th Test, the 30-year-old has made five centuries and averages 33.38 with the bat, but in the ongoing series, Ali could manage a measly 116 runs in six innings.

England needs him to make a significant contribution with the ball because he is the only front-line spinner in the squad. And despite being dependable at home, he has struggled in away Tests, with his wickets coming at more than 48 runs apiece.

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