In past couple of years or so, the veteran English opener Alastair Cook hasn’t been enjoying a good time in the middle with his batting form. The southpaw is currently playing in England’s ongoing five-match Test series against India and has only scored 80 runs in six innings at an average of 13.33. However, his poor run of form in the longest format of the sport has been from the past one year.

Cook smacked a double-century against Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground last year, but since then he hasn’t even been able to cross the 50-run barrier. In the meantime, despite the poor performances, he has got support from the English skipper Joe Root and head coach Trevor Baylis as they said that Cook has been trying his heart out to get back among runs.

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As quoted in Times of India, Bayliss said, “Cooky has not changed his demeanor. You wouldn’t know there was any difference between now and when he is scoring plenty of runs. He still practises as hard if not harder than anyone else. You watch him play in the nets and he is actually striking the ball quite nicely. His feet move well.”

He further added, “I wouldn’t say he is out of form – he is still hitting the ball well – he is out of runs in the middle. But he is giving himself every opportunity. He practices hard and he still plays an active role in his position in the team.”

In the meantime, it has also been learned that Cook may miss out from the third Test against Virat Kohli’s men at The Ageas Bowl in Southampton for the reason that her wife will go into labor for the birth of their third child. However, he has been included in the 14-man squad which means the management is open to include him in the playing XI if he is available.