Alastair Cook says coaching would be ‘interesting’
Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook says he would be interested in coaching following his retirement from professional cricket.
He ended a 20-year career last week as England’s leading run-scorer.
He has been combining farming and broadcasting since retiring from international cricket in 2018 and has played five seasons for Essex.
“I’d like to remain involved in cricket and coaching would be interesting at some point,” he said.
During his first interview since retiring, Cook told Test Match Special: “If the right opportunity came along at the right time, it’s an interesting part of cricket.”
Cook, who led England in 59 Test matches, is a father of three young children. As a pundit on television and radio, he has worked on a farm in Bedfordshire.
“I keep going back to the word ‘balance’. Do as many things as possible, but also spend enough time with your kids since they’re only young once.”.
It’s always been important to me to find a balance in life, and I hope I can keep doing that because I love cricket and everything that goes with it.”
Cook’s 12,472 Test runs and 33 centuries are England records, while no batter has made more runs as an opener than Cook’s 11,845 runs. A world record of 159 consecutive tests was achieved by him, out of 161 played.
“I enjoyed getting into the commentary box, although I found it daunting at first,” said Cook.
The players who are still playing have a real emotional attachment to you when you leave that dressing room.
“Now that it’s been five years since I played for England, there isn’t that emotional connection.”.
While you’re still good friends with them, it’s a different kind of friendship, and I’ve found it easier to comment on players without that personal barrier.”