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Not much fun for Cook on birthday
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England captain Alastair Cook marked his 29th birthday — and Christmas Day — yesterday yet found little cause for celebration on the eve of the fourth test against Australia.
Trailing 0-3 in the series and with the Ashes already gone, Cook has lost veteran spinner Graeme Swann to a surprise early retirement since the previous test in Perth.
Pace bowler Jimmy Anderson appears out of form, fellow quick Stuart Broad has a right foot injury and wicketkeeper/batsman Matt Prior’s place in the team is in doubt. Spinner Monty Panesar is expected to return to the side for Swann.
“Losing the Ashes and with Swannie going as well, it has been a different week,” Cook said. “When you lose games of cricket, naturally your confidence does slip. We’re desperate to turn it around and you don’t often get the chance to play a Boxing Day test match at the MCG.”
About 90,000 are expected at the Melbourne Cricket Ground today, the first day of the test.
While few foresaw Swann’s sudden retirement, Cook was not surprised as he felt the spinner had nothing left to give. “It’s a brave decision. It was quite an emotional chat,” said Cook.
Cook said he was encouraged by Broad’s bowling in the nets. Broad was hit in the right foot by a Mitchell Johnson yorker in the third test but scans showed no fracture. “The signs are good,” Cook said yesterday.
Australia captain Michael Clarke said his team was “extremely shocked” by Swann’s decision to end his international and first-class career.
“He’s been a wonderful cricketer for a long time for England and deserves a lot of credit for what he’s achieved,” Clarke said. “He’s the type of character you enjoy having around your group, especially when you’re away from home and family and friends.”
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