Alastair Cook Gets Moeen Ali's Backing as England ODI Captain

Even as former England captains call for his head, Alastair Cook is the right man to lead the ODI side, feels all-rounder Moeen Ali. Cook's position as ODI captain is under serious threat after India handed England a sound beating in the ODI series currently under way.  (England need split captaincy to succeed in all formats, says Michael Atherton)

With a 3-0 lead in the five-match series, India have won a bilateral series in England for the first time since 1990. The fifth and final match will be played in Headingley on Friday. Cook's batting has also been a cause for concern. (Avoid ODIs, Focus on Regaining Ashes: Swann Tells Cook)

Cook was under fire after India won the second Test at Lord's. But England staged a remarkable turnaround, winning a hattrick of Tests and the five-match series 3-1. But fortunes once again dipped for Cook. Ali thinks otherwise. (India eye whitewash vs England)

"He's the same as he was in the Test series. He's just being Cookie and trying to get everyone playing well and playing well himself. I'm sure tomorrow he can do that and we can do it as a team. (Vaughan accuses Cook of benching players better than him)

"There's still a lot to play for. A lot of the players are still playing for places in Sri Lanka. To win the game for England is important. He's trying to get us to stick together, work hard and execute the plan.

"We're playing for England. He's the captain and whatever he says, we do. He has all our backing and everything. We're just trying to do our best to win the game," said Ali.

"The guys are lacking a bit of confidence but the plans and everything are right. It's all good. We just need to execute it as a team and then we'll be in a position to challenge.

"I was sitting on the sidelines and watching and you can learn a lot from the way they back themselves and take risks. As a team, if we can do that and execute the plan, we'll be fine. Watching Suresh Raina in the first game - they were in trouble and he came out and played the way he played. He backed himself."

On his own form, which included a quick-fire 67 in Tuesday's 9-wicket defeat at Edgbaston, Ali added: "I was just going in and trying to get a score for the team. I enjoy batting and I was trying to accelerate a little bit and thankfully it came off.

"It's something I always go back to - just go out and play. I take the pressure off myself and enjoy playing international cricket for my country. I should probably just do that all the time."