Cook is cricket’s very own Frank Lampard, says mentor Irani

LONDON - Prolific England opener Alastair Cook has got wholesome praise from former national team mate Ronnie Irani, who hailed him as cricket’s very own Frank Lampard because of his consistency, love for the game and professionalism.

Irani, who has been Cook’s mentor and skipper at Essex, reckons there is now nothing to choose between the two superstars.

Irani has known England run-machine Cook, 26, since he was a 14-year-old and has loved his stunning Ashes success more than anyone.

He believes there is plenty more to come and is sure when it comes to dedication, attitude and desire.

The Sun quoted Irani, as saying: “From the first moment I clapped eyes on Alastair as a 14-year-old, I knew Australian cricket would be up against someone at the top of his game. He played in a game against the school First XI and typically showed no fear. He’s that kind of guy, so mentally strong.”

Former England star Derek Randall was coach at Bedford School on that day when Cook played against the school side. The MCC were short of a player and Cook stepped in and cracked a century. Randall knew from that moment Cook was destined for the top.

He said: “He had beautiful balance and beautiful timing but the thing that stood out was his exceptional attitude. No matter what challenge you threw at him he was up for it. His record at school was unbelievable. It’s an amazing story. He came to our school having got a music scholarship as a choirboy and when he was 14 he had shown a bit of talent in his first year and they were short of a player to play for the MCC. He was drafted in, scored a magnificent hundred against the school and he never looked back.”

Irani said he was delighted about Cook’s fight back from the dark days last summer when his Test place was in doubt after a run of low scores.

He added: “People were writing him off but look how he has responded. (ANI)