Despite dominating Pakistan, Alastair Cook raises concerns about England

Dubai: England are in comfortable position to whitewash the visiting Pakistan in the third Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham. After getting all out for 133 on Day One, the Men in Green gave away 453 runs in the first innings.

Despite a dominating performance by the Three Lions, the former Test captain Alastair Cook has pointed out a flaw in the national side.

“The lack of hundreds,” Cook said which concerns him the most about the England team. He did give the “conditions” and the “ball staying hard throughout the 80 overs” a benefit of the doubt to his countrymen.

Cook then addressed scoring centuries guarantees players’ a spot in the squad while failure to achieve it will only raise more questions from the selection committee. “It is a concern,” the cricket legend said.

“So if you get a hundred, you know you’re on the plane.” Cook then mentions Dan Lawrence who got out for 65 in the first innings and was visibly frustrated. The English batter is playing in his first Test series since 2024, trying to earn a spot in the team.

Five players contributed to England’s 453 runs in the first innings with no centuries to add. The Test series has yet to record a century from any player from either of the teams. With England frequently dropping and replacing players from one series to another, Cook’s point on century can be beneficial for the batsmen to solidify their spot in the squad.

With Pakistan trailing by 268 runs and losing two wickets after the end of Day 2, the path to England’s third straight win seems clear unless the Men in Green show resilience.