Lyth all but sets sights on Cook berth

Cricket365
July 20, 2014

The uncapped Adam Lyth has emerged as a potential replacement for fellow left-hander Alastair Cook at the top of the order for England's ongoing Test series against India.

Cook has not scored a century in the longest form of the international game in 26 innings – and has endured a particularly shoddy stretch of form against Australia, Sri Lanka and the Indians this year.

He has, subsequently, become the subject of plenty public criticism from former Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, erstwhile batsman Geoffrey Boycott, ex-captain Michael Vaughan – and more.

Lyth, meanwhile, has gathered more than 1,000 runs at an impressive average of in excess of 62 during this season's County Championship – and this week struck a fine ton for Yorkshire against Middlesex.

"It is not really in the back of my mind but obviously Alastair is struggling for a bit of form. But all I can do is keep scoring runs. If I did get the call then obviously I'd be pleased," said the 26-year-old Lyth.

"I will try to keep scoring runs for Yorkshire, helping us to win games and if the call came I'd be over the moon. I feel this is the best I am hitting the ball in my career so far. My technique is a lot better than it was in 2010 and I'm very pleased with the way it is going.

"I'm leaving the ball a hell of a lot better than the last couple of years. I've not really chased much outside off stump, although I did chase one on 99 to get to a hundred and had a bit of luck but I deserved that, I think."