England Captain Alastair Cook has rebutted suggestions from Graeme Swann that more dynamic selection is required if England are to prosper at the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Swann took to twitter to question whether Alastair Cook and Ian Bell were best suited to help England prosper at next year’s tournament but softened his stance once England’s line-up was announced.
“His remarks were not that helpful – especially from a so-called friend – but he’s entitled to his opinion,” said Cook.
“But it’s not ideal for me, especially after getting through the summer I’ve had. I have not spoken to him about it. The phone is always open the other way. It’s a little bit disappointing.
“He’s a good friend and has been a supporter and it’s not helpful at this time because I am going to go and captain in this World Cup. We’re going to build up to that and we’ve got a good chance although obviously if we play like that we aren’t going to win many games of cricket.”
Swann is far from a lone voice in calls for Notts Outlaws captain James Taylor and Hampshire’s James Vince to be added to the squad.
Calls for the in-form duo to enter the fray gathered pace as England slumped to defeat against India at Cardiff yesterday.
“We weren’t at the races,” said Cook. “It was not a 300-wicket but nor was it a 160-wicket. It’s not the end of the world but it is frustrating.
“You can’t win every game of cricket, certainly not when you play like that. We will just have to dust ourselves off and play better.”
England will train at Trent Bridge on Friday ahead of Saturday’s sold-out Royal London One-Day International.