Cook praises England comeback

Pietersen hails knock in 4th ODI as his best.

DUBAI:

Captain Alastair Cook has said that he was delighted with England’s valiant fightback after their Test rout by Pakistan to register a clean sweep in the One-Day International (ODI) series.

Cook, who scored back-to-back hundreds in the first two matches, said it needed a team effort to change the fortunes.

“It’s a really good comeback,” he said. “I said at the start of the series, if we’re going to turn this round we’re going to need people to stand up and be counted. A number of us have done that. Pakistan had won 14 out of 15 ODIs in a row. For us to win 4-0, in sub-continent-like conditions, is a fantastic achievement.”

Meanwhile, England batsman Kevin Pietersen hailed his century in the final ODI as his best in the 50-over format, saying his hard work with spin coach Mushtaq Ahmed helped him overcome batting blues. Pietersen’s knock was a total contrast from his tally of 67 during the 3-0 rout in the Tests during which he struggled against Pakistan spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.

“It was probably the best knock I’ve played,” said Pietersen. “The hard work I’ve been putting in with Mushy has paid off. I’ve spent hours and hours with him.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2012.