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Alastair Cook attends England rugby team’s training session

Alastair Cook, former captain of the England Test and ODI teams was recently in Twickenham, England to watch the training sessions of England's national rugby team.

Alastair Cook is the first England cricketer to be involved in 50 Test victories © Getty Images
Alastair Cook is the first England cricketer to be involved in 50 Test victories © Getty Images

Alastair Cook, former captain of the England Test and ODI teams was recently in Twickenham, England to watch the training sessions of England’s national rugby team. It was a great inspiration for the team to have Cook as the spectator, who has had a splendid cricket career. Cook is widely regarded as the most successful cricketer and is considered as one of the most prolific cricketer of the modern era. Cook has many records to his credit. He is the youngest cricketer to complete 11,000 Test runs. He also holds the record of leading England in the most number of ODIs.

Earlier in the week, Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and the erstwhile Crystal Palace Manager Alan Pardew were the spectators at Bagshot. On Friday, it was Cook’s turn to witness the practice session of the rugby teams, The Guardian reported.

It seems that cricket is not the only game that Cook admires. Cook has also maintained a keen interest in rugby as well. He follows Northampton Saints, a professional rugby union of England.  He also once persuaded England’s oval-ball captain, Dylan Hartley to meet and chat in his local pub which later paved way for friendship between them. The coach of England national rugby union team, Eddie Jones, an ardent cricket fan, was delighted to welcome Cook into England’s Bagshot camp for lunch with his squad.

There were some interesting moments between the trio. The coach, Jones took a dig at Dylan Hartley saying that Dylan cannot be able to play till 50 and will never equal Cook’s haul of 140 Tests. The England rugby team, on the other hand could not have been more inspired. They showcased their best side and racked up a cricket score. Cook’s presence had charged up the entire atmosphere and everyone were at their best.

On the professional front, Cook had stepped down as England’s captain earlier this month after a 0-4 Test series defeat in India following criticisms from media, public and former players. After Cook’s resignation, Joe Root was named as his successor.

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