Cook is resourceful where his opening partner, Kevin Pietersen, is inflexible. Cook takes an over or two to assess the conditions and the pitch. In spite of the compulsory attacking field at the start – therefore with enticing boundary opportunities – he plays himself in. He does not look to assault the opening bowler as an Adam Gilchrist or a Sanath Jayasuriya might. He shapes to nudge and nurdle for a couple of overs and keep his wicket intact. He quickly sizes up the percentage shots and the productive areas.