Cook has complete England backing: Ali

Moeen Ali has insisted that the England team are fully behind Alastair Cook in his role as one-day international captain.

Cook came through a tough examination of his leadership credentials during England’s 3-1 Test series win at home to India.

But he has been under renewed scrutiny during a one-day series with world champions India, where England face a whitewash if they don’t win the finale at Headingley on Friday following three heavy defeats.

Several leading pundits, including former England captain Michael Vaughan, have urged Cook to quit the one-day game with the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand just six months away.

But all-rounder Ali, whose 67 in his series debut at Edgbaston on Tuesday was a lone England highlight in a nine-wicket loss, said no one within the squad wanted Cook to quit.

“He’s been the same as he was (in the Tests),” Ali told reporters at Headingley on Thursday.

“He’s been exactly the same with the lads. He’s been Cooky, trying to get everyone playing well, trying to do well for himself and I’m sure tomorrow (Friday) he can do that and play well.

“There’s still a lot to play for, players are playing for places and to win a game for England is important.”

Asked if England were now playing too for Cook, Ali said: “A little bit. We are playing for England, he’s the captain and whatever he says we do.

“He’s got all our backing and like any other game for England we’re trying to do our best.”