Captain Cook wants a steady ship

Alastair Cook
12 April 2012

Captain Alastair Cook believes England must learn to be consistent before they can become a force in one-day international cricket.

Ahead of Saturday's clash with India at Durham, England are currently the fifth-ranked ODI nation - a position team director Andy Flower is determined to improve. He has already led England to the top of the Test rankings and, after winning the World Twenty20 last year, the 50-over game remains the only format to frustrate.

"There are a lot of areas we need to improve on, whether it be our batting at the top of the order or in the powerplay," said Cook. "But the most glaring thing in this side is the consistency."

He added: "On our day in the past we've always managed to beat sides. But to do it day in, day out - like we have been as a Test team - we haven't managed to do that in one-day cricket. That is slightly down to the nature of the game, but it is an area we really want to improve."

After beating World Cup finalists Sri Lanka 3-2 in his first series in charge, the credentials of Cook's side will be given another telling assessment against world champions India starting at Chester-le-Street today.

"I said at the beginning of the summer we'll know a lot more about this side by playing Sri Lanka the (World Cup) runners-up and the world champions in 10 games," said the Essex opener.

"I was very pleased with the small steps of progress we made against Sri Lanka. This is another chance to continue that progress against a very good side. We're here to win the series. India are world champions and are a very good side. If we win the series I'll be very happy."

England are set to make a late decision on their squad for the series opener after off-spinner Graeme Swann was struck down by a stomach bug.

Swann missed training on Friday and his fitness will be assessed before the 10.15am start.

England will also decide on whether to give 20-year-old all-rounder Ben Stokes his second ODI cap in front of his home crowd.

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