Thaindian News

London, Aug 6 (IANS) England opener Alastair Cook is confident of regaining his form in the two remaining Tests against India.

Cook, who was in fine form against Sri Lanka before struggling for runs against India, has scored only 19 runs in four innings.

“It’s always frustrating when you don’t contribute as a player. But what you have to remember is that no one will always score runs all the time. No matter how many runs you have, you can always fail for a few innings. I hope it won’t be long before I can score runs again. It’s what the game of cricket is, and it keeps you grounded,” Cook was quoted as saying in The Guardian.

The left hander was one of England’s architects of the Ashes triumph with 766 runs in Australia.

Cook says the Ashes series gave him confidence in his ability.

“What happened in Australia has given me a bit more belonging, I suppose, in international cricket. Before that series I’d scored 4,500 Test runs, so it wasn’t as if I hadn’t made a start - I just hadn’t done something really special. To do it as a batter has given me real confidence in my ability. Of course, there are going to be tricky times. You’re never always going to score the runs. But you know it’s in there. It’s a good place to be.”

England have repeatedly hauled themselves back from perilous positions in the two Test wins against India.

“Twice at Trent Bridge we were a long way behind,” Cook admits.

“It’s a sign of a good side when any player can stand up and deliver a match-winning performance.

“The side has been quite successful over a period of time, and because of that we have become very hard to beat. That doesn’t mean we won’t be beaten or that we can’t be beaten at Edgbaston. There have been occasions when we have been outplayed but still very difficult to put down. That’s a hallmark of a good side. It’s a great environment to be around.”

Cook says the team is looking no further than the first morning of play in the third Test at at Edgbaston. “If we play well during the first hour, everything will lead from there. That’s how we look it as a side.”