New skipper proved his worth after terror attacks

QUIETLY and methodically – like his batting – Alastair Cook has accumulated 52 Test caps, at an average of 42.65. It appears his England captaincy will follow the same approach.

"I am probably not a gambling captain – you have to be true to your nature and I think things through before making decisions," he said yesterday after being thrust into the top job. "I will be conservative at times, or more aggressive depending on the situation."

Cook, who has been long touted as a future England captain, led his country in a Twenty20 international in South Africa at the start of the last tour, but it was in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror atrocities in 2008 that the opener truly showed his leadership ability.

He had the responsibility of reading out the statement on behalf of his team-mates which declared England would be returning to play their two Test series in India and would be donating half their match fees to the victims of the attack.

On the occasion he addressed the world's media, Cook showed his renowned temperament at the crease.

If he can cope in such circumstances, he surely has the right ingredients to succeed as skipper.

He is confident it is a role in which he will be a success, adding: "I feel behind the scenes that I have done a lot of work and I feel I am growing into the role."