Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Cook Considers England Coaching Role Amid Criticism
Alastair Cook, who used to be the captain of England's Test cricket team, said he might join the coaching staff if asked.
This comes after England lost a big series called the Ashes to Australia.
Some people, like Michael Atherton, another former captain, think Cook would be good for the team because he could help players like Harry Brook be more disciplined.
Cook also thinks the team needs different kinds of people in the coaching staff to help them improve.
He used to be a very good batsman and has a lot of experience.
Some people are not happy with how the team is doing, and Cook has even criticized how the current coaches treat players from smaller leagues.
So, he might help make things better.
Alastair Cook expressed interest in joining England's Test coaching staff after Michael Atherton suggested the idea.
Cook believes the current coaching team lacks diversity in personalities and could benefit from his experience.
England's poor performance in the 2025/26 Ashes series has led to criticism of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
Cook has been critical of the current management's treatment of County cricket and its impact on player selection.
Cook's extensive experience as a former England captain and top-run scorer makes him a strong candidate for a coaching role.
- Who
- Alastair Cook, former England Test captain, and Brendon McCullum, current England Test head coach
- What
- Cook's potential involvement in England's coaching staff
- When
- After the 2025/26 Ashes series and Michael Atherton's suggestion
- Where
- England's Test team setup
- Why
- To bring variety and discipline to the coaching staff and address criticisms of the current team
- Alastair Cook
- Former England Test captain and potential coach
- Brendon McCullum
- Current England Test head coach
- Michael Atherton
- Former England captain who suggested Cook for coaching role
- 2025/26 Ashes
- Series England lost 4-1 to Australia
- Harry Brook
- England batter criticized for rash shots
- Mitchell Starc
- Australian bowler who exposed England's batting weaknesses
- Alastair Cook's Test Record
- 12,472 runs in 161 Tests, 33 centuries
- Alastair Cook's First-Class Record
- 26,643 runs in 352 matches, 74 centuries