'we really need to get back into that winning zone'

It's great to be back at Lord's on the eve of the first Test match of what should be a great summer of cricket. It's exciting new times for English cricket under Peter Moores' new regime and we're really looking forward to making a positive start to the series this week.

As a youngster, I always dreamed of playing a Test match at Lord's and I've been lucky enough to play two Tests there already.

Lord's is a special place, the atmosphere is something else and I can't wait to get back out to face the West Indies on Thursday. When I first walked into that dressing room when I was younger I was determined to get my name on that honours board. I was disappointed to be out for 89 against Sri Lanka on my first attempt but I got to three figures the second time against Pakistan which was an amazing feeling, knowing you're always going to be remembered in cricketing history. Hopefully they'll be more to come but what's much more important is that we start well as a side.

I've worked with Mooresey before at the academy and for England A and he's been brilliant. He's come with a huge reputation from Sussex and the academy and I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He's a great man for the job.

There aren't too many surprises in his first squad and consistency has always been a vital ingredient for a stable side. Obviously there are players who have missed out but it's up to the players who have been selected for Lord's to score the runs and take the wickets and keep our places at the start of this new era. There's a new cap in Matt Prior, who I've played in England A with and he's been a part of a very successful Sussex side. It's a great opportunity for him, there's no better place for him to make his debut and I wish him the best of luck.

A Lord's centurion

Unfortunately, Michael hasn't recovered from his injury but Straussy is a very good replacement as skipper. He captained the side last home series without Michael playing. He's a very good captain but it's up to us other ten players to play well and make his job easier.

As for myself, there's always pressure with so many good players waiting in the wings but if I keep scoring runs they can't leave me out, so that's the aim. Score runs, help England win and keep my place in the side. But competition can only be good. If there's competition for places it focuses the mind, helps you raise your game and increases the standard. I'm lucky enough to be given first crack and hopefully I can start well on Thursday.

I've heard people write off the West Indies already but there's no chance of this new England regime team taking anyone lightly. Obviously they haven't played much cricket and will miss the experience of Brian Lara so if we start well we can really put them under a lot of pressure. But never write off a wounded animal. The West Indies have some world class players so we've got to fight and stamp our authority early.

I don't know too much about their squad but looking at the top of their order, Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan are world class and have been around a while. As for the bowlers, Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor and Corey Collymore all pose a threat. But all we can do is concentrate on our own game and start well.

After what happened in Australia, we really need to get back into that winning zone. There are some very good players in this side and if we start well we should be able to build some momentum to where we were a few years ago.

Alastair Cook.

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15th May 2007