Alastair Cook says England were wrong to drop him from team

England captain Alastair Cook has criticised the selectors for dropping him as one-day captain in the build-up to the World Cup.

Cook says England's dismal performance at the tournament proved the decision to get rid of him was wrong.

"The selectors made that decision because they thought it was the best for English cricket," Cook told the Daily Telegraph.

"Hindsight has probably proved them wrong, but now it's easy to say that."

The 30-year-old was appointed one-day captain in 2011 and was initially successful, taking England to the top of the world rankings and the final of the Champions Trophy in 2013.

But Cook's form slumped over the next 12 months and he was removed as one-day captain in December, two months before the World Cup, and replaced by fellow batsman Eoin Morgan.

"I think you saw in Australia at the World Cup the dangers of making such a big decision so close to the tournament," Cook added.

"I don't know what's gone on on that tour, but it did look like the lads were shell shocked from the first two games. That's when you need real leadership to help steer you through that.

"I would have loved to have had the opportunity that was taken away from me."

Do Not find fault with Cook- find fault with the egg and bacon brigade of the MCC.English Cricket has been screwed for a long time. Even the Ashes wins( other than of course 2005) were against one of the weakest Australian sides for a generation- the game in this country needs a complete overhaul. Case in point is Pietersen. This is a player that would walk into most international sides but because as he's a bit of an enigma, he's out.The game in this country is all about 'yes men'. Let's say Gayle or Warner were English? Would they get in the team?

I have to laugh at Cook, really I do. It sounds like he is suggesting not that he might have helped avoid the failures to Australia or New Zealand, by merely providing better leadership in their awful defeats.

[quote author=Master Blaster link=topic=96546.msg626348#msg626348 date=1426695604]
I have to laugh at Cook, really I do. It sounds like he is suggesting not that he might have helped avoid the failures to Australia or New Zealand, by merely providing better leadership in their awful defeats.
[/quote]
Funny stuff, indeed. In the last 12 months of ODI's under Cook's leadership, he skippered England to a 6-9 record with a batting average of 27.07.

I do feel, however, that the decision to remove Cook of the captaincy role should have been made much earlier in the year and not after the Sri Lanka series in December.

I feel Cook would have made a difference : he would have been a lot more assertive !!

Halo and Ravi wouldda seen a lot more playing time ! 

Oh dear. Cook seems to be totally unaware that his self-serving stance wasn't appreciated before Christmas and even less so now. Does he  imagine that the team were longing for his return to sort out their confidence? The last time I saw Cook in charge he was petulant, bad tempered and ungracious in defeat. His petulance and sense of entitlement is obviously not a small passing aberration.

if England want to catch up they need to find players that can excel in both formats. The top sides now have the same squad for both more or less.