Alastair Cook says England require something special to power their quest to regain the Ashes and thinks Zak Crawley could be the player to do it.

The tourists are 1-0 down in the series after an extraordinary century by Travis Head won the first Test for Australia within two days.

England’s approach has been criticised after that capitulation in Perth, but they have spoken defiantly about their game plan ahead of the next game in Brisbane, which starts on Thursday, December 4.

Cook, the former England captain turned commentator, has experience of both glorious success and dismal defeat in Australia.

His 766-run haul inspired England’s 3-1 series win in 2010/11, but he was subsequently the captain when they were whitewashed in Australia three years later.

He said there is no secret formula to rescue an ailing tour of Australia, other than individual brilliance inspiring the side.

β€œThe only way you switch out of the mindset is someone doing something special,” Cook told The National.

β€œYou can talk all you want, you can meet all you want, you can train all you want, but it's just down to people delivering.

Alastair Cook,

πŸ“°

Continue Reading on The National UAE

This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.

Read Full Article β†’