Alastair Cook delighted to return among runs

Cook’s 95 was his highest score since a 130-run knock against New Zealand in May 2013

England captain Alastair Cook holds up his bat to acknowledge applause from the crowd as he walks off the field after losing his wicket off the bowling of Ravindra Jadeja, scoring 95 runs during the first day of the third cricket test match of the series between England and India in Southampton, England. Photo: AP

England captain Alastair Cook was a relieved man after finally striking form to end a prolonged lean run even though he was disappointed not to get a 100 on the opening day of the third Test against India in Southampton.

Cook missed out on his 26th Test century by just five runs but the English skipper said even though it was frustrating he was delighted to get out of poor form. Cook marked his return to form with a dogged 95 while youngster Gary Ballance (104 not out) hit his second successive century as England reached a comfortable 247 for two against India on the opening day.

“Mixed feelings to sum it up right,” said Cook at the post day’s press conference.

“It was frustrating to fall five runs short of the hundred. But if someone had offered me 95 runs yesterday, I would have grabbed it with both hands. So I am delighted to get those 95 runs,” a visibly relieved Cook said.

Asked if he had changed anything in his batting, Cook replied: “I was going to the ball a lot more than I have ever done in my career before this. That is something I changed. It was for the first time today and at certain deliveries I was going towards them. It was something different and it worked.”

Cook’s 95 was his highest score since a 130—run knock against New Zealand in May 2013. Since then he had never reached the nervous 90s in 27 innings.

The highlight of the day was Cook’s dour batting after he got reprieve on 15 when Ravindra Jadeja dropped a sitter at third slip off debutant Pankaj Singh’s bowling.