Alastair Cook Butchers Pakistan in Abu Dhabi
Alastair Cook's appetite for massive runs was out in full force during the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. The sheer volume of runs accumulated by the England skipper has totally roasted the hosts in the desert heat.
- Siddharth Vishwanathan
- Updated: October 16, 2015 09:37 PM IST
Alastair Cook demonstrated that his massive appetite for runs was still alive, after he grounded Pakistan to dust to register a magnificent 263 during Day four of the first Test in Abu Dhabi. (SCORECARD)
The England skipper, who marked his third double century in Test matches, hit 18 boundaries in the process, which eventually proved to be the difference maker as England took an overall lead of 46 runs. (Cook's 263 Flattens Pakistan in Abu Dhabi)
For Cook, who was dropped twice in his 528-ball innings, the double ton marks a remarkable turnaround considering the start he had in 2015. (Alastair Cook's Double Ton Frustrates Pakistan)
He had not scored a century for close to two years and England were in the crossroads following their early exit from the 2015 World Cup.
He broke the century drought with a magnificent century in the third Test match against West Indies in Barbados in May.
Since then Captain Cook has not looked back. As of now, Cook's is the leading run-scorer in Tests in 2015.
With 1170 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 61.57, he is 84 runs clear of his team-mate Joe Root, who is number two on the charts with 1086 runs in 10 Tests.
However, his knock of 263 has made him the most successful overseas batsman in Asia. In 19 Tests that he has played in the sub-continent and in the UAE, Cook has scored 2065 runs at an average of 62.57 with eight centuries.
Jacques Kallis comes second best with 2058 runs in 25 Tests at an average of 55.62. These stats are a testament to Cook's ability to adapt to foreign conditions that have never suited English batsmen.
The England skipper's dominance on spinner friendly tracks brought back memories of his assault against India during the 2012 series.
During the famous 2012 India tour, the 30-year-old scored 562 runs at an average of 80 in four Tests with three centuries. This contribution at the top helped England achieve a series win in India for the first time in 28 years.
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His knock in Abu Dhabi was a study in discipline and concentration. He got behind the line of the spinners and watched the ball carefully and employed the sweep shot well.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Ian Bell said that all these attributes made Cook's innings a masterclass.
"When I watch him against spin, his defence is incredible. He executed the sweep well. It was a masterclass in how to defend, how to come down occasionally to chip over midwicket and also sweep from a full length," Bell said.
Cook must be particularly satisfied with the knock as he would have wiped out the nightmares that he had endured on his previous trip to the UAE in 2012 where England were blown away 3-0 by Pakistan. In that series, Cook managed just 159 runs at an average of 26.5.
There will be a hint of disappointment too for Cook. On a placid pitch, he missed out on the chance of becoming the first England batsman to score triple century against Pakistan.
His knock of 263 is the second-best individual effort by an England batsman behind Denis Compton's 278 in Trent Bridge in 1954.
Cook missed out on becoming only the fifth England batsman to score a triple century in Tests but he will be happy with his current streak.