Australia-born England opener Sam Robson believes it is only a matter of time before captain Alastair Cook is back in the runs again.
Cook has now gone 25 innings since making the last of his England record 25 Test hundreds, including falling for five in the drawn series opener with India at Trent Bridge, while England’s winless run at this level now extends to nine matches.
But ahead of Thursday’s second Test of the five-match campaign at Lord’s, Robson was confident his opening partner would be back to his best soon.
“He’s a world-class player, he’s one of England’s best-ever players there’s no doubt about that, we’re all aware of that,” Robson, who has watched many of Cook’s most recent struggles from the other end, told Sky Sports on Tuesday.
“All the close followers of the game who know what they’re talking about realise that as well,” added Robson, who made his Test debut at Lord’s against Sri Lanka last month before going on to score his maiden century in the tourists’ series-clinching victory at Headingley.
“There is no doubt that runs are not far away for him. It’s a tough game and it’s easy to get out and a few things haven’t gone his way in the last couple of Tests from what I can see at the other end.
“Runs are around the corner for him there’s no doubt about it,” insisted Robson, the 25-year-old son of an Australia-born father and English-born mother, who grew up in Sydney but now plays his cricket for Lord’s-based Middlesex.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
I'm starting to think Cook is mad. Flower isn't even there anymore and he's still pulling that conservative shite with real tail-enders.
Nudge
Guest
Wow thank god he didn't go. He's heading towards being the best one day and 20/20 player in the world. Also reckon he's going to be a high quality test cricketer within 2 years. On a side note I reckon Alastair Cook might get sacked after this current test
Tom from Perth
Guest
Yeah mate, England were terrible first and last session yesterday, despite having a pitch tailor made for their bowlers. I loved every minute of it!
Tom from Perth
Guest
Yeah Nudge, have a look: http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/glenn-maxwell-says-he-almost-played-for-england-146581
DJW
Guest
Cook's captaincy was terrible again on the day 1 of the 2nd test against India. 6 guys on the boundary to a number on 10 on a complete green top!!! Can you imagine Clarkey doing that? May Cook remain captain as long as possible!
mattyb
Guest
England offers secondrateness and softness.The second greatest achievement an Australian can achieve is to play cricket for Australia.First is to be captain third is to become PM.If your soft and happy to be a second rater of you go and play for England.If it gets to tough you can always pack up the kit and head on home mid series.
twodogs
Guest
Yep, quantity over quality. Obviously Robson wants an easier path. Beware! The easier path also presents hidden consequences.
HarryT
Guest
There was zero interest in Robson by NSW and Australian cricket every time he returned. Never has been any interest until England made advances. Well played Sam.
Jo M
Guest
I read an interview that he did earlier in the year. He said he had always wanted to play for England and the "Australian Under 19 thing just happened". If that was the case, maybe he should have turned down the 19's. I'm sure there would have been plenty of kids that would have done anything to be in that team.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
It's no surprise that many young Australians heads are turned by English counties. There are 18 counties so the young kids will see plenty of game time. Throw in the Sheffield shield is 10 per season. Whereas county cricket is 16 matches per season. England offers quantity over quality.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Surprised there isn't more overt scouting by English county sides over in Aus. Loads of lads with English links after all and they all want to have a sport as a career.
Nudge
Guest
Got me buggered mate. More opportunity more money I suppose. I knew we could have lost Whiteman but I had no idea about Maxwell
Tom from Perth
Guest
Yeah I had a look at his cricinfo page. No doubt he's a serious prospect. I don't get why there's so many young Aussies considering playing for England.
Nudge
Guest
He's dam good Tom, ponting maybe going a touch overboard but you never know. The lad scored his 2nd first class century yesterday for his county side, 1 day before his 19th birthday. You have to be bloody good to have 2 first class tons while your still only 18. He was playing cricket for The Australian U19's last year. Shattering.
twodogs
Guest
Rookie speaking on behalf of the captain! Geez, that's putting the knife in. I get a feeling Robson's after Cooks job already.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Next Ricky Ponting? Bloody hell, I hope not. We almost lost Maxwell and Whiteman. What is going on with these young cricketers? Is representing your country not worth anything any more?
Tom from Perth
Guest
Absolutely. And he's choosing England for career advancement only. Good on the lad for getting into a test team but I can't imagine it'd be the same as representing your own country. I think of the way the likes of Steve Waugh used to speak about representing their country and how important that was to them. You've gotta wonder whether the easy route of playing tests sooner will mean he can't experience that joy (unless he 'becomes' English like KP). This is one of the reasons why I want to see Philip Hughes succeed. He'll do anything so he can to play for his country.
Nudge
Guest
Spot on
jameswm
Guest
What are cricket Australia supposed to do for a promising 18yo? He's also been playing in Australia. If he finds it easier and better for his career to play for England, fine. But be prepared to cop flak.
rooboy
Guest
Dizzy?Tangles? Abuse starts with your username and the garbage continues. FYI Robson has spent his adult life (since 18 ) playing in England. Cricket Australia showed no interest in securing his services. Good luck to him and any other sportsperson who takes the opportunity to play for a country other than the one they were born in. Also, it's not like there hasn't been any precedents.