Arthur Crabtree wrote:I've been reluctant to say so, because of course I'd say this, but I didn't think Cook's captaincy was any different from usual. As a frequent Cook watcher, I spent an hour or so telling my guest what he'd do next, and which gap the ball would go in next. Until I stopped, aware that this was getting repetitive and irritating... He did his usually stuff of spreading his catchers too thin in crucial areas, and putting a man where the catch just went. He did a better job than normal of shouting and waving his arms around when things were going well though.
The hype of the experts toward the performance was astonishing (they've not remembered the NZ series and the response to the Lord's win). They all praised Cook for putting a spinner on the over before lunch, which is something they normally laugh at. Praising Steely's captaincy is a bit like being enchanted by a dog that walks on its hind legs; it's not doing it that well, but it's remarkable that it's doing it at all.
Unfortunately, this response may encourage him to see it on beyond the end of the summer.
Arthur : the day you have anything good to say about Cook's captaincy will have me wondering if I've dropped into an Alternate Universe
Not suggesting he's ever going to be a genius in the art ; but I reckon his handling of his team has improved out of sight over the last year or so ; and in this game he got it right to a notable extent. If he continues like this I have absolutely no problem with him seeing it on a bit longer - Root won't lose anything by getting to concentrate on his all round skills for a bit longer without the pressure of carrying the armband.
Won't push the point because I realize I'm in a small minority on here when it comes to this issue. But I think you and maybe a couple of other posters have a bit of a personal dislike of the man which colours your views a little.
Which doesn't necessarily make them wrong , of course. But I feel I should register my disagreement before retreating to the safety of my tent...