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Alastair Cook says England were wrong to drop him from team

18th March 2015

Alastair Cook says England were wrong to drop him from team England captain Alastair Cook has criticised the selectors for dropping him as one-day captain in the build-up to the World Cup. Cook says Englands dismal performance at the tournament proved the decision to get rid of him was wrong. "The selectors made that decision because they thought it was the best for English cricket," Cook told the Daily Telegraph.  "Hindsight has probably proved them wrong, but now its easy to say that." The 30-year-old was appointed one-day captain in 2011 and was initially successful, taking England to the top of the world rankings and the final of the Champions Trophy in 2013. But Cooks form slumped over the next 12 months and he was removed as one-day captain in December, two months before the World Cup, and replaced by fellow batsman Eoin Morgan. "I think you saw in Australia at the World Cup the dangers of making such a big decision so close to the tournament," Cook added. "I dont know whats gone on on that tour, but it did look like the lads were shell shocked from the first two games. Thats when you need real leadership to help steer you through that. "I would have loved to have had the opportunity that was taken away from me." Cook did not preside over a one-day series victory in 2014 and averaged only 27.52 in his last 20 limited overs games. He acknowledged that given his poor form he "couldnt complain" about losing the one-day captaincy, but said the ECBs decision - and the subsequent woeful World Cup campaign - has damaged confidence. "We have a repairing job to do, and the only way of doing that is by playing some good cricket and to start winning," he added. England were knocked out of the World Cup after losing four of their six group games, including defeat to Bangladesh. It was Englands worst showing since a first-round exit on home soil in 1999 and led to calls for head coach Peter Moores and managing director Paul Downton to stand down. Cook remains captain of Englands Test team and will lead the side on the three-Test tour of West Indies in April and May. source: www.bbc.co.uk

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