Michael Atherton Advocates for Alastair Cook as England's Assistant Coach

A New Direction for England Cricket

In a recent discussion, former England cricketer Michael Atherton proposed that Alastair Cook might be a suitable candidate for the assistant coach position following the Ashes series. Atherton believes that introducing a different perspective could aid England in revitalizing their standards after a challenging period.

Atherton pointed out that incorporating Cook into the coaching team would signify a major shift in strategy, even labeling it as 'a complete clash.' However, he feels such a transition could be essential at this juncture. He emphasized that England could benefit from a fresh voice in the locker room after a decline in performance over the last year.

“It might be just time for that different kind of voice,” Atherton remarked during a conversation with former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports.

He commended England's head coach Brendon McCullum for his positive impact on the players but also noted the areas where the team has underperformed.

“Brendon McCullum’s great strength is that he makes players feel ten feet tall and boosts their confidence, but we all agree that standards have dipped a bit in terms of performance,” Atherton stated.

Atherton emphasized the need for someone who can reinforce discipline and set clear expectations, qualities he believes Cook could provide.

“We need someone to foster a culture that returns to the standards Ben Stokes mentioned in a press conference two years ago,” he added.

Reflecting on England's recent performance, Atherton acknowledged a significant decline.

“Results were strong, and performances were solid, but there’s no denying that this has slipped over the past year, and he’s aware of that. It can’t just be business as usual; they need to consider how to regain their previous form,” he concluded.