Cook turnaround could be key to retaining Ashes

The 25 year-old could not buy a run this English summer as the Essex players defensive technical faults were mercifully exposed by a Mohammed Amir inspired Pakistan bowling attack, with some calling for Cook to be dropped from the side.

But question marks over the batsman’s form and temperant have indefinitely been sworn to the back burner following a faultless 235 not out at the Gabba and an imperious 148 at the Adelaide Oval leaving England on the brink of a second Test victory, with Cook breaking records for runs scored and time batted without dismissal for England as the statistics stack up very favourably for the opener.

In his second Ashes tour, England’s vice captain has laid down the foundations to his world class talent and potential to become England’s leading run scorer of all time - despite being relatively young in cricketing terms.

Cook now has 15 Test tons under his belt, averaging over 46 in a near 5’000 run haul since his international debut back in 2006 during England’s tour of India. The Gloucestershire born player will look to follow in the path of mentor Graham Gooch by overtaking his Test career statistics which took him to an English record 8'900 runs.

If indeed, the Essex batsman continues on his way to that landmark in this series, few would bet against England retaining the coveted Ashes urn.

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