LONDON - England must forget about former captain Alastair Cook as they begin preparations for the World Cup, fast bowler James Anderson said in a British newspaper interview published on Monday. Test skipper Cook lost his one-day role in December following a run of five straight defeats, with Eoin Morgan being handed the responsibility of leading the team at the World Cup in Australia, which starts on February 14.
Anderson admitted he was "gutted" about Cook's dismissal, but said that England cannot afford to waste time worrying about the past as the tournament looms into view. "I'm gutted for my mate. However, as brutal or heartless as it may sound, I can't go to Australia worrying about how Cooky is feeling or wishing he was with us," Anderson told The Sun. "My only consideration is to focus on helping the team in the Tri-series with Australia and India and then the World Cup that follows." He added: "Cooky has a couple of months now to try and get over the disappointment.”
I'm sure it will be hard watching the guys playing in the World Cup on TV, but he must look forward to the Test matches in 2015."