2,2,5 – These are the last three scores of Alastair Cook in the ongoing New Zealand- England Test series. The veteran opener who has played for more than 150 Tests is struggling when his country needs him the most. Since last two years, he is batting like a pale shadow of himself. The man who was once touted to be the batsman to break the Tendulkar‘s record may not even be on the screen by the end of the year. Are we witnessing the end of Alastair Cook?

The struggles were visible from long. Alastair Cook is undeniably not the same opening batsman who was always there for England. In fact, in most cases, he is the first man out nowadays. Since his 243 against the West Indian team in September 2017, he has scored 446 runs in 16 innings with an average of around 29. The figures are bad. What makes them worse is the fact that 244 out of those 446 runs were made in a single innings. Not even a half-century in rest of the 15 innings.

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Sadly for Alastair Cook, the slump in the form does not look like a temporary one. It is more and more apparent that the end is near. While speaking in December 2017 during the Ashes, Cook vehemently disagreed that he is declining and that he should retire. He said that although he understands that runs are important to stay in the team, he is working more vigorously than ever and the results will come. 

Perhaps, the ECB shares this sentiment. The problem, for them, is that they have been unable to find a solid replacement for the veteran. The hesitation to let go, Cook, is understandable, in case of not having anyone replace him. Nevertheless, it will be challenging for anyone to do worse than Cook in recent times. 

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In the last five years, England has tried 14 batsmen at the Top-spot. The only two men that average 40-plus in that list are Alastair Cook and Joe Root. The second highest run-scorer in that period, Alex Hales has quit the red-ball cricket. The country that has consistently presented great openers is struggling to find an option. Cook continues to live on borrowed time.