Cook pleased with balanced team effort

Cricket365
August 10, 2014

England captain Alastair Cook was thrilled with his side's win in the fourth Test in Manchester, crediting the bowlers with the innings and 52-run win against India, on day three, to take a two-one series lead.

Cook was particularly pleased with his fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad, with the latter taking six wickets in the first innings though missing much of the second after being struck in the face with a bouncer.

Cook was also delighted with the way all-rounder Moeen Ali performed, taking four wickets in the second dig to continue his growth as a spinner, after some ropey efforts in earlier matches, where his credentials were questioned.

Cook said after the game: "We didn't think we'd get it done (on Saturday), we thought we'd get enough cricket over the next few days. But it's great to do it in nine wickets in a session.

"Jimmy's got the lurgy and hasn't been very well so it's great by him to get off the bed and bowl like that for his nine overs.

"We knew we had a big effort to bowl for three hours today (without Broad) and Moeen was fantastic and everything went to plan.

"I've never seen a bloke work so hard and make such a big improvement in such a short space of time. He's really learnt how to bowl in international cricket.

"And Anderson and Broad are a brilliant pairing. I'm very lucky to captain them. In all conditions they've learned how to bowl and they're really good with the younger guys as well. Hopefully we can keep them fit for a few more years.

"The squad will enjoy tonight and a bonus couple of days off and rest up well before going to the Oval."

Coach Peter Moores was also thrilled with the balance of the side, and was especially pleased with Moeen's efforts, as Cook had been.

Moores said on Sky Sports: "The last three days have been a great three days for us. The senior players stepping up has been really key. The way Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson bowled up front in the first innings set a real tone for the game.

"Also the young players have really started to step up. International sport gives you a chance to develop quickly and Mooen has taken that chance. He's worked very hard in the nets and he's starting to show that in the middle."