Best I have ever seen Alastair Cook bat, says Michael Clarke

Alastair Cook, England’s leading run-getter in Test cricket is one of the most recognized Test batsmen going around in world cricket currently. In the era of power hitters, Cook is one batsman who can impress you with his grace, timing and temperament.

In the ongoing fourth Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the former England captain struck an unbeaten 244 which helped him surpass West Indian legend Brian Lara to be the sixth name on the list of batsmen with most runs in the format. The English opener struggled with poor form recently and it will be fair to say that he has answered his critics in fine fashion.

Clarke on Cook

Cook is widely regarded as one of the finest Test batsmen of this generation, he has often been backed to surpass the great Sachin Tendulkar’s Test tally as well. The left-hander’s concentration has helped him bat for long hours. His unbeaten innings of 244 earned praise from former Australian skipper Michael Clarke.

“Say what you want, think what you want but that is a brilliant 200 from Alastair Cook. I think that is the best I have ever seen him bat. Very happy for him. Amazing mental strength and courage to walk out and play the way he has with his back against the wall,” Clarke said.

In the first three Test, the 33-year-old scored only  2, 7, 37, 16, 7 and 14. Cook’s poor run hurt England’s hopes of winning the Ashes, they went down to the Aussies in the first three matches to concede the urn. A bit of luck helped Cook to score his fifth double hundred, the former England skipper was dropped twice by Australian skipper Steve Smith on 66 and on 153 again.

Cook played a magnificent straight drive to get to the milestone, he hit his 23rd four as the crowd at the iconic MCG applauded, 61,839 to be precise.

With 11,956 Test runs in his account, Alastair Cook moved past two West Indies greats to be sixth on the all-time leading run-scorers in Test cricket list, eclipsing Shivnarine Chanderpaul (11,867) and then Brian Lara (11,953) with a sumptuous off-drive for four on the penultimate ball of the day.

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