Boycott: Cook got his 'knickers in a twist'

England

Former England batsman and outspoken pundit Geoff Boycott has reprimanded current captain Alastair Cook for getting his 'knickers in a twist' over criticism of his position in the ODI team.

Former England batsman and outspoken pundit Geoff Boycott has reprimanded current captain Alastair Cook for getting his 'knickers in a twist' over criticism of his position in the ODI team.

Cook took offense when former team-mate Graeme Swann recently said Cook should step down as skipper, calling Swann a 'so-called friend' afterwards. But Boycott feels Cook must realise what Swann's job as a pundit is.

Boycott in his <i>Daily Telegraph</i> column on Monday: "England need a fresh approach but they also need to be able to accept constructive criticism from ex-players like myself.

"Just look how Cook responded when his 'so-called friend' Swann made constructive comments about England's one-day team and Cook got his 'knickers in a twist'.

"What he should realise is Graeme is now paid to give his opinions in the media. He and other former players like myself are not there to fawn over England or be cheerleaders for the captain and his players.

"We all want England to play well and win but if we think they have not got it right are we supposed to say nothing?

"Well that is not going to happen. People like Graeme Swann and Michael Vaughan can see the format of the team could be bettered and so can I.

"Take your heads from out of the sand and into the modern era of one day cricket or else there will be more bad days ahead."

Swann's comments were given further merit as England lost the ODI series to India on Tuesday, losing the fourth match by nine wickets, and Cook himself only making nine runs on the day.

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