Cook slams Atherton's donkey jibe

“I’m not a fan of Cook as ca­p­tain of the 50-over side. They have gone for a plodder at the top of the order and it’s a very difficult job if you’re not absolutely sure of your place,” Atherton was quoted as saying.

“He’ll also find it difficult to set a great example in the field - he’s a bit of a donkey.” Not the one to take things lying down, Cook retorted by saying, “It takes one to know one, I suppose. But I have scored a one-day hundred for England, I know what is required to do that at the top of the order and I’m excited that my batting is in a good place to show that over the next few weeks.”

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, that’s part of the media’s job, and as an international player you are always under pressure, having to prove yourself, and it’s no different now,” Cook was quoted saying in Daily Mirror.

The ODI skipper feels that his ODI game has evolved over time.

“I believe my ODI game has evolved since I last played this format for England. In Bangaldesh last year, I scored runs —— scored them quickly, so I know I’ve got the talent and skills to do it. Now I’ve got to go out and prove it.”