Manchester City may be after Graham Gooch as their next coach if this carries on and if Roberto Mancini does not lead them to the promised land. Gooch would certainly seem to have the midas touch as only three test innings into a Gooch remodelled action, Alastair Cook scored a composed and determined century at Kingsmead today.
Cook combined his renowned excellent temperament to Gooch's tinkering to move sedately to a hundred off 218 balls. He showed sound decision making when leaving numerous balls in one of his problem areas outside off stump and demonstrated real grit and exemplary concentration throughout an innings that has helped put England in a dominant position at stumps on day three.
His tenth century in 50 tests was certainly timely and should dampen the increasing criticism the Essex opener has received following a poor run since scoring 95 in the Lords test against the Australians. Fair play to Cook for recognising he needed some help and well done for turning to Gooch, another former Essex and England opener, as the advice he has given was obviously sound and prescient.
Cook has now secured his place in the side and is likely to lead his country in the forthcoming series in Bangladesh if as likely Andrew Strauss is rested from the tour.
Comments