ALSTAIR Cook is “very close” to quitting as England captain, believes former skipper Michael Vaughan.Cook, 31, said he will “go home and do some thinking” over his future after the 4-0 Test series defeat by India.
“His body language over the last three matches was one where he looks like he might be thinking of calling it a day,” Vaughan told BBC Sport.
However, Vaughan believes Cook is not certain to resign and said taking time to decide was the correct move.
“He’s earned that right to have a period of time at home. We’ll wait and see,” the 42-year-old added.
“He’s stubborn and mentally very tough. He’s been through this sort of spell two or three times in his captaincy and carried on.
“But he has to be very honest with himself. Does he have the passion and energy to take the team forward through the seven Tests next summer? And then through the Ashes next winter?
“If the answer is just 1% no, then he has to stand aside.
“Towards the end of my captaincy, I just was not enjoying the game. I could see from his face he just is not enjoying cricket.
“I would think it’s very close to being the time to call it quits from his perspective.”
England assistant head coach Paul Farbrace said Cook had the support of players and management.
“If he chooses to step down, that would be a shame because we want him to carry on,” said Farbrace.
“When you lose a series 4-0, of course people will talk about the leadership. We all know that.
“But there’s nobody looking around the dressing room thinking ‘ooh, I wonder who’s in charge?’ It’s very clear who’s in charge, and that hasn’t changed.”(BBC Sport)