Alastair Cook answers your questions
During the course of the summer Test series between England and the West Indies and India, we invited fans to post their questions to Alastair.
We've posted a selection of the best below - thanks for taking part!
Mark Ferguson: When did you first decide you wanted to be a professional cricketer and how supportive were your parents in that decision?
AC: It was probably when I was about 12 or 13 when I thought I’d love to be a professional cricketer and play for England but you don’t really make that decision that you’re going to become one! My parents have been unbelievable. They took me to all the games before I learned to drive so I’m always indebted to them for those taxi rides!
Lisa: Who’s the best bowler you’ve faced so far and is there any bowler you’ve not faced that you’d like to? Thanks.
AC: I’d have to say Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. I’m afraid I can’t think of any bowlers I haven’t faced that I’d like to!
Sean Mayhew: How hard is it to make the decision whether to swing out for a 6 on the 20/20 matches?
AC: it’s obviously quite tough as it’s a totally different form of cricket but you’ve got to get the run-rate moving, so you geberally have a few sighters to play yourself in and if it’s in the zone you have a go.
Ben Rankin: What are the chances of a Lewis Hamilton, Alastair Cook 1-2 for sports personality of the year?
AC: I somehow think he might be a slightly more popular choice than me and I’m sure he’s odds on favourite to win it! Formula 1 is a massive sport in global terms compared to cricket and most people in the world will have heard of Lewis Hamilton whereas not many people will have heard of me. Of course, it would be great to be up there in the mix if I keep scoring runs and playing well for England but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Piya: How often did you have to practise to become a First Class Cricketer? Thanks.
AC: You really have to practice a hell of a lot I’m afraid, pretty much your whole life! I was in cricket academies from 12-13 and there’s no substitute for hard work I’m afraid and I live by the motto that the more you practice, the better you get.
Sean Mayhew: What did Brett Lee say to you when he hit you in a rather delicate place during the first over at the SCG?
AC: Happy New Year! I said the same back to him but in a slightly higher voice! If there’s anywhere you don’t want to be hit, it’s there and if there’s any bowler in the world you don’t want to be hit there by, it’s him. It even hurts when a spinner hits you there, so you can imagine how painful it was!
Brad Thornley: What’s the funniest bit of sledging the Aussies dished out to you?
AC: Funnily enough, I can’t really remember. They left me alone most of the time so I suppose I was lucky! Some of the others copped a bit, especially Belly but he took it in his stride and played really well.
Ryan Brook: How do you decide which shots to make at any time? I’m a young cricketer and I’m always finding it hard to decide which shots to play, react and get into position when a bowler's coming in to bowl.
AC: It’s a good question. If you’re finding yourself not having enough time, it could be that your bat’s too heavy. I haven’t seen you play, of course, but that could be the reason. Other than that I couldn’t say unless I saw you. It’s just one of those things that comes with a lot of practice and going back to the basics of shot selection to certain balls. Try and stay a bit more alert, have a bit of positive energy at the crease and practice, practice, practice!
Liam Bartle, 17, Shotley Bridge: Hi Alastair. How do you keep your nerves at bay before going to bat in a big game, and can you give any tips to me? Thanks.
AC: I always think if you’re nervous it’s good for you because it’s a sign that you’re ready and raring to go. I treat it as a good sign but you’ve also got to use them to your advantage, try to relax and just enjoy it because it’s just for fun! Even when I play for England I remember I’m doing something I love and it’s good fun.
Monika Harkins: Do you have a game plan when you go out to open? Is it to see off a certain amount of overs before playing your shots or do you wait till you think your seeing the ball right? Also does your thinking change from when your opening or going in at 1 wicket down or do you play like you would do opening?
AC: I definitely have a game plan, yes, whether I’m opening or not. You’ve got to know your shots and your best game when you go in. For the first couple of overs it’s just a matter of getting off the mark and if you watch how Kevin Pietersen builds an innings, he doesn’t usually get that many off his first 30 or 40 balls but then he’s in and knows the conditions. So my advice to anyone is don’t go too hard too early, settle in and give yourself three to four overs of playing yourself in. The first 20 balls are the hardest part, so after that it should get easier!
Rashid Ahmed: Hello, firstly I will like to congratulate Alastair on his fantastic performance at the start of the International Season, keep going! My question is: What did your girlfriend think about the recent charity photoshoot you took part in? Best of luck in the future!
AC: Well it was all for a good cause, the Ben Hollioake fund and I think you’re talking about that calendar shoot. The girls were body painted and it was all for a good cause but she didn’t know about it at the time!
Updated 15th August 2007
