Cook sets sights on England T20 slot

Alastair Cook helped himself to a second ODI century in as many games and he is eager to show he can perform in the shortest form of the game for England.

Cook's position in the Test side is secure, but even though he is captain of the ODI side he entered the series under a cloud. England great Sir Ian Botham suggested he should have been left out for the ODIs with Pakistan. The opener produced the ideal response to those who questioned his place in the side by hitting back-to-back tons to put England into a 2-0 lead in the series.

He has pinned his upturn in fortunes in the 50-over format on the decision to work hard in the county arena with Essex. Cook is aware he has work to do to cement a place in the 20-over game, but would like the chance to prove himself.

"When I was out of the England ODI side, I knew that if wanted to play one-day cricket for England I had to improve," he said. "I had to score quicker. That's what I went to work on with Graham Gooch and the Essex boys.

"The experience I gained playing those two years for Essex - especially a year-and-a-half playing T20 cricket for Essex - forced me to expand my game and helped me realise what I could do.

"I'd love to be in the T20 side, too, but it's a totally different format and I'm not in it at the moment."

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